"Exercise extreme caution in India due to the threat of terrorist attacks across the country," states Canadian advisory issued for its nationals in India

Hours after withdrawing 41 diplomats and closing the majority of its embassies and consulates in India, Canada amended its travel advisory for its nationals in India, asking them to "exercise a high degree of caution." This comes amidst the dispute between the two countries over the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

Relations between India and Canada have deteriorated since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau openly connected Indian intelligence to the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India has referred to the accusations as "absurd" and "motivated". The diplomatic spat threatens to escalate into a major conflict, and both countries have removed senior ambassadors and issued travel warnings. "Exercise extreme caution in India due to the threat of terrorist attacks across the country," read Canada's recent advisory issued for their citizens in India.

“In the context of recent developments in Canada and India, there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada in traditional media and on social media. Demonstrations, including anti-Canada protests, could occur and Canadians may be subjected to intimidation or harassment. In Delhi and the National Capital Region, you should keep a low profile with strangers, and not share your personal information with them," the advisory added

Canada withdrew 41 diplomats and their family members from India earlier today after the Centre threatened to revoke their diplomatic immunity. In addition, Canada halted all in-person services at its consulates in Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru and advised its residents to take precautions. In case they want assistance, all Canadians in India are urged to get in touch with the High Commission in New Delhi.

"Be extremely cautious in and around Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru. Consular in-person services are momentarily not available in those cities or the surrounding areas”, said the advisory. It further stated that petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching is a ‘common’ practice, and that ‘criminals’ tend to target foreigners in major cities and tourist areas, thus, urging its citizens to be vigilant in crowded areas and not carry large sums of money.

Earlier this month, India urged all of its residents living in Canada and those who were considering visiting there to exercise ‘utmost caution’, given the rise in anti-Indian activities and ‘politically-condoned’ hate crimes in the North American nation.