MEA issues travel advisory to students amid 'anti-India activities' in Canada
Wednesday, 20 September 2023 (18:20 IST)
New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday issued travel advisory to Indian nationals including students amid "growing anti-India activities" in Canada.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs asked Indian nationals in Canada and those contemplating travel to the North American country to exercise utmost caution.
The MEA said: "In view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian nationals there and those contemplating travel are urged to exercise utmost caution".
"Recently, threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda," the advisory said.
The MEA advised Indian nationals to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents.
Refering to the "deteriorating security environment" in Canada, the MEA advised Indian students in particular "to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant".
The advisory came amid growing tensions between India and Canada after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday told parliament that his country's security agencies have been actively pursuing "allegations" of a potential link between Indian government agents and the murder of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June.
While New Delhi outrightly rejected Trudeau's allegation, calling it "absurd" and "motivated", the relations between the two countries have worsened with Canada and India expelling a senior diplomat each.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar briefed PM Modi over the situation in Canada. (UNI)
