Ontario: Tensions escalate following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement about credible allegations linking Indian government agents to a Khalistani leader’s murder. In a recent development, Canada updated a travel advisory warning citizens of the possibility of “anti-Canada protests” as well as intimidation or harassment after announcing the withdrawal of 41 diplomats from India.
The advisory said the Consulates General of Canada in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai were temporarily suspending in-person operations. The advisory said the Consulates General of Canada in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai were temporarily suspending in-person operations. It added that citizens could obtain consular assistance and further consular information from the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi.
The “recent developments” in Canada and India that are likely being referred to in the travel advisory are the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries. These tensions began in September 2023, when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that there were “credible allegations” linking Indian officials to the murder of a Sikh separatist in Canada. India has denied these allegations and has taken a number of retaliatory measures, including reducing its diplomatic staff in Canada and suspending high-level visits between the two countries.
The travel advisory is likely warning Canadians that they may face some anti-Canadian sentiment in India, both in the media and on social media. There have been calls for protests against Canada in India, and some Canadians have reported experiencing verbal abuse and threats.
“In Delhi and the National Capital Region, you should keep a low profile with strangers, and not share your personal information with them. Avoid crowded areas, including public transportation. You should always travel with someone and inform a friend or a family member of your travel plans.”
India indefinitely stopped processing visas for Canadians after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement on September 18 that there were “credible allegations” of a potential link to Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18.
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