‘Exercise utmost caution’: India issues advisory for Indians in Canada amidst strained bilateral ties between the two nations post the death of Khalistani leader Nijjar

In what may deepen the tension amidst the ongoing diplomatic row between India and Canada, the Indian government has issued an advisory for it’s citizens residing in Canada on Wednesday, a move seldom seen in the past. India has advised its citizens in Canada and also those planning a travel to the nation to exercise “utmost caution”. The advisory clearly mentions, the need arouse “in view of growing anti-India activities and politically condoned hate crimes” in the country. The advisory followed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegation of India’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has strongly condemned the allegations, called them baseless “absurd and motivated”. 

Khalistanti leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, one known for his perpetual habit of making anti-India statements, known for his indulgence in and incitement for activities in demand for an independent Sikh homeland known as Khalistan, was gunned down on June 18 outside a Sikh cultural centre in Surrey, British Columbia. Canadian PM Trudeau has claimed that his government has been probing “credible allegations” that Indian Government agents were involved in the murder of Nijjar, a statement that has stoked diplomatic showdown between the two countries. 

The advisory by the external affairs ministry highlighted that “Recently, threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda,” while advising Indian nationals and students in Canada and citizens planning to travel to the country to maintain caution. The advisory also cautioned Indians to “avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents”. 

According to the Indian High Commission in Ottawa, there are 230,000 Indian students and 700,000 non-resident Indians in Canada. The advisory has has asked Indian nationals and students in Canada to mandatorily register themselves with the Indian High Commission there or with the Consulates General for better response in the “event of any emergency or untoward incident”. The advisory reflects the strain in the bilateral ties between India and Canada, considered to be in all time low now.