Unprecedented Diplomatic Row between India and Canada Triggers Urgent Travel Alert for Indian Citizens
India issues travel advisory to citizens in Canada, alerting them to politically condoned hate crimes amid escalating tensions This comes after Ottawa accused New Delhi of potential involvement in the assassination of a Sikh separatist activist on Canadian soil Stay cautious
India has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens in Canada to stay vigilant due to the presence of "politically condoned hate crimes." This comes shortly after Ottawa accused New Delhi of potentially being involved in the assassination of a Sikh separatist activist on Canadian soil. The advisory, released by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, states that Indian diplomats and members of the Indian community who oppose anti-India movements have recently faced threats. Indian students, in particular, are advised to exercise high levels of caution and remain alert, given the worsening security situation in Canada.
Indian nationals and students are required to register with the High Commission of India or Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver in order to establish stronger connections with fellow Indian citizens residing in Canada, especially during times of emergencies or unforeseen incidents.
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shakes hands with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi on September 9.
Evan Vucci/Pool/AFP/Getty Images
Canada and India find themselves embroiled in an unprecedented diplomatic dispute following recent events. This development arises in the wake of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's assertion that credible allegations were being probed, implicating "government of India agents" in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh Canadian national who fell victim to masked assailants in June.
New Delhi has strongly rejected the accusations, deeming them as "baseless and driven by ulterior motives."
However, Trudeau's remarks have caused a significant strain in the bilateral ties, leading to the expulsion of high-ranking diplomats from both India and Canada as a tit-for-tat response. This development suggests the possibility of an uncomfortable rift emerging between important allies of the United States.
Nijjar was an outspoken supporter of the creation of a separate Sikh homeland known as Khalistan, which would include parts of Indias Punjab state.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada September 18, 2023.
Blair Gable/Reuters
India retaliates by expelling Canadian diplomat amidst escalating tensions surrounding the murdered Sikh activist.
Due to government concerns regarding national security, the Khalistan movement has been banned in India. Several organizations linked to the movement have been designated as "terrorist organizations" under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Nijjar's name is listed by the Home Ministry as a UAPA terrorist. In 2020, the Indian National Investigation Agency accused him of attempting to radicalize the global Sikh community in support of the creation of Khalistan. They also alleged that he was inciting Sikhs to secede, protesting against the Indian government, and engaging in violent activities. Local police reported that he was shot dead in June by two masked assailants while inside his truck near a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia.
The Sikh community in Canada, one of the largest outside India and consisting of over 770,000 members of the religious minority, was deeply shocked and outraged by his death.
No arrests have been made by the Canadian police in relation to Nijjars murder. However, in an August update, the police announced that they were looking into three suspects and provided the public with a description of a potential getaway vehicle, seeking their assistance.
