Exercise Utmost Caution: India Issues Travel Advisory For Citizens And Students In Canada

The Indian government on Thursday issued a travel advisory for its nationals and students in Canada in view of the growing anti-India activities in the country.

​"In view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian nationals there and those contemplating travel are urged to exercise utmost caution,''the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement.

''Threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda. Indian nationals are therefore advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents," a foreign ministry statement said.

The advisory comes following the frosty relations between India and Canada after a diplomatic row caused by Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's allegations of India's hand in the killing of Khalistan separatist near Vancouver.

Additionally, the MEA has also issued a directive to students, urging them to complete the registration process with the High Commission of India in Ottawa or the Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver.

The MEA emphasized the importance of this registration, stating, "Indian nationals and students from India currently residing in Canada should also register with the High Commission of India in Ottawa or the Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver using their respective websites or the MADAD portal at madad.gov.in. This registration will facilitate enhanced communication between the High Commission, Consulates General, and Indian citizens in Canada in the event of any emergencies or unforeseen incidents."

In comparison to the Indian travel advisory, the new Canadian version is less restrictive. It asks its citizens to be cautious while traveling to Manipur and to take precautions to avoid natural disasters and COVID-19. However, most of its advisory remains the same, warning against traveling to the northeast, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and border areas of Pakistan.