'Stay cautious': India issues advisory for Indian nationals in Canada

New Delhi, Sep 23: Following a sharp increase in incidents of hate crimes, sectarian violence and anti-India activities in Canada, India on Friday issued an advisory for Indian nationals and students from India asking them to remain cautious and vigilant.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)said, that Indian nationals and students from India in Canada are advised to exercise caution and remain vigilant.

"In view of the increasing incidences of crimes as described above, Indian nationals and students from India in Canada and those proceeding to Canada for travel/education are advised to exercise due caution and remain vigilant," said the MEA.

The MEA asked the Indian nationals in Canada to register with the High Commission of India in Ottawa. "Indian nationals and students from India in Canada may also register with the High Commission of India in Ottawa or Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver through their respective websites, or the MADAD portal madad.gov.in."

The MEA said that the registration would enable the Indian authorities to connect with Indian citizens in the event of an emergency.

The statement said that the MEA and High Commission in Canada took these incidents with the Canadian authorities and requested them to investigate the said crimes and take appropriate action.

The MEA has repeated that the perpetrators of these crimes have not been brought to justice so far in Canada.

The advisory comes after a day when India reacted over the "Khalistan referendum" in Canada which was held on September 19.

The MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi during weekly media briefing termed the referendum a "farcical" exercise.

"The farcical exercise was held by the extremists and radical elements supporting the so-called Khalistan referendum in Canada."

Bagchi further added that the matter was taken up with the Canadian authorities through diplomatic channels.

"The government of Canada has reiterated that they respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India, and that they will not recognize the so-called referendum, which is taking place in Canada," he said.

He also added, "the government of India will continue to press the government of Canada on this matter."