Canada has issued a travel warning for its citizens in India, advising them to be cautious and stay alert. This advisory comes amidst a disagreement over the assassination of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The advisory also mentions concerns about protests and the suspension of visa services due to security reasons.
Following suit, India has also issued an advisory and suspended visa services for its nationals residing in Canada. The tension between the two countries escalated when Indian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested that there could be involvement in Nijjar’s killing on soil back in June. However, India strongly denies these allegations.
Canada’s advisory points to developments and negative sentiments expressed towards Canada on media as reasons for caution. In contrast, India’s advisory to its citizens in Canada highlights the need for caution due to increasing India activities and politically condoned hate crimes targeting Indian diplomats and individuals opposing anti-India agendas.
Canada has dismissed India’s advisory emphasizing that it is one of the countries. The dispute further intensified when the US provided intelligence information to Canada regarding Nijjar’s killing, leading Ottawa to accuse India of orchestrating the plot.
The American diplomat based in Canada has verified that there is ” intelligence between the Five Eyes partners” that provided information supporting Trudeau’s accusation against India.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was declared a terrorist by India in 2020 held the position of leader within the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). India has consistently dismissed claims of its involvement in his assassination as “ridiculous” and driven by motives.