India issues travel advisory urging citizens to ‘remain vigilant’ in Canada as diplomatic row deepens

India issues travel advisory urging citizens to ‘remain vigilant’ in Canada as diplomatic row deepens

India has issued a robust travel advisory to its citizens in Canada, urging them to stay vigilant due to concerns about “politically condoned hate crimes.” This advisory follows closely on the heels of an accusation from Ottawa that suggested India might have been involved in the assassination of a Sikh separatist activist on Canadian soil.

The advisory, released by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, specifically highlights recent threats targeting Indian diplomats and members of the Indian community who oppose anti-India agendas. It underscores the deteriorating security environment in Canada and singles out Indian students, advising them to exercise extreme caution and maintain a high level of vigilance.

This move by India reflects the escalating tensions and concerns regarding the safety and security of its citizens in Canada, especially those who may be involved in or associated with contentious political issues. It also underscores the importance of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the potential consequences of strained relations on the safety and well-being of Indian nationals in Canada.

In response to the heightened concerns for the safety of its citizens in Canada and the recent tensions between the two countries, the Indian advisory has recommended that Indian nationals and students register with the High Commission of India or Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver. This registration is seen as a precautionary measure to establish better communication channels and ensure the welfare of Indian citizens in the event of an emergency or untoward incident.

The advisory from the Indian government comes shortly after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made statements suggesting that Canadian authorities were investigating “credible allegations” of potential links between “agents of the government of India” and the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh Canadian citizen who was fatally shot by masked assailants in June.

New Delhi has vehemently refuted these allegations, dismissing them as “absurd and motivated.” Nonetheless, Trudeau’s remarks have had significant repercussions, including the expulsion of senior diplomats by both India and Canada in a tit-for-tat response. This diplomatic standoff has the potential to strain relations between the two countries, which are key partners of the United States, creating a challenging and potentially awkward situation on the international stage.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a prominent advocate for the establishment of a separate Sikh homeland called Khalistan, which would encompass parts of India’s Punjab state. The Khalistan movement has been declared illegal in India and is viewed as a national security threat by the Indian government. Several groups associated with the Khalistan movement have been categorized as “terrorist organizations” under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Nijjar’s involvement in the Khalistan movement led to his inclusion on the Home Ministry’s list of UAPA-designated terrorists. In 2020, India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) accused him of attempting to radicalize the global Sikh community in support of the creation of Khalistan. The NIA alleged that Nijjar had been actively promoting secessionist sentiments, encouraging Sikhs to agitate against the Indian government, and potentially engaging in violent activities.

The Khalistan movement has a complex and contentious history, rooted in political, religious, and regional factors, and its objectives remain a subject of significant controversy and debate. The Indian government’s stance on the movement is one of strong opposition, as it views Khalistan-related activities as a threat to national security and the unity of the country.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s tragic demise occurred in June when he was shot by two masked assailants while inside his truck, outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, as reported by local police. His murder sent shockwaves through the Sikh community in Canada, which is one of the largest Sikh populations outside of India, comprising over 770,000 members of this religious minority.

Despite the gravity of the incident, Canadian law enforcement had not made any arrests in connection with Nijjar’s murder as of the latest available information. In an update provided in August, the police disclosed that they were actively investigating three potential suspects and had released a description of a possible getaway vehicle. Authorities had also appealed to the public for any information that could assist in the investigation, underscoring the seriousness with which they were treating the case. The lack of arrests and the ongoing investigation have heightened concerns and tensions surrounding this tragic event within the Sikh community and among the broader Canadian population.