‘Exercise utmost caution’: India’s advisory for its nationals, students in Canada
The Indian government has issued an advisory to its nationals and students in Canada, urging them to exercise caution due to “growing anti-India activities” and politically condoned hate crimes and violence in the country. The advisory specifically mentions threats targeting Indian diplomats and members of the Indian community who oppose an anti-India agenda. It advises Indian nationals to avoid traveling to regions and venues in Canada where such incidents have occurred.
This advisory comes in response to a diplomatic standoff between India and Canada, triggered by Canada’s allegations of Indian officials’ involvement in the killing of a Khalistani terrorist. Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed to have “credible allegations” linking the killing to the “agents of the Government of India,” which led to the expulsion of a top Indian diplomat by Canada. In retaliation, India expelled a Canadian diplomat and rejected the allegations as “absurd and motivated.”
The tit-for-tat actions and escalating tensions have resulted in both countries issuing travel advisories for their citizens in each other’s nations.