The Indian government has issued a cautionary advisory to its citizens residing in Canada, with a special emphasis on students. This advisory comes in the wake of diplomatic expulsions between the two nations and a growing dispute surrounding the murder of a Sikh separatist leader.
Tensions have heightened following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement of an investigation into “credible allegations” regarding the potential involvement of Indian government agents in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June.
Citing the increasing instances of anti-India activities, politically-condoned hate crimes, and criminal violence in Canada, the Indian foreign ministry has urged all Indian nationals in Canada and those planning to travel there to exercise extreme caution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has firmly denied any involvement in the murder.
The advisory further underscores the deteriorating security environment in Canada, particularly for Indian students, and advises them to remain vigilant in light of the circumstances.
Ottawa had previously issued an advisory to Canadian citizens in Indian-ruled Kashmir, warning them to avoid all travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir due to an unpredictable security situation, citing threats of terrorism, militancy, civil unrest, and kidnapping.
It is noteworthy that India has been the largest source of international students in Canada since 2018, with the number increasing by 47% in the past year to nearly 320,000, comprising around 40% of total overseas students, as reported by the Canadian Bureau of International Education.
In a related development, a private entertainment company, BookMyShow, has canceled an India tour by Canadian singer Shubhneet Singh.
Canadian officials have refrained from providing specific reasons for their belief that India could be linked to Nijjar’s murder.
