- By Mayukh Debnath
- Wed, 20 Sep 2023 09:17 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The government has issued an advisory for Indians visiting Canada and studying in the country in an apparent reciprocal move after the Canadian government asked its citizens to exercise caution while travelling to India. The respective advisories by Canada and India came amid the diplomatic row triggered by Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's allegations against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
"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. Recently, 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," the advisory issued by Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday said.
India issues advisory for Indian nationals and students in Canada
— ANI (@ANI) September 20, 2023
"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.… pic.twitter.com/G6cmhSuGfb
After accusing "Indian intelligence agents" of being responsible for Nijjar's murder, which took place in June, the Trudeau government declared a senior Indian diplomat 'persona non grata'. India responded to the move by expelling one of Canada's top diplomats posted in New Delhi. Nijjar headed the Khalistan Tiger Force, a 'terror outfit' proscribed by the Government of India.
Canada's High Commissioner to India, Cameron MacKay was on Tuesday summoned to the South Block, the headquarters of Ministry of External Affairs. "The High Commissioner of Canada to India was summoned today and informed about the decision of the Government of India to expel a senior Canadian diplomat based in India," a statement from the ministry said.
(Canada's High Commissioner to India, Cameron MacKay arrived after at the headquarters of the Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday after being summoned following Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's unsubstantiated allegations against the Indian govt. Pic sourced from ANI)
"The concerned diplomat has been asked to leave India within the next five days. The decision reflects the Government of India’s growing concern at the interference of Canadian diplomats in our internal matters and their involvement in anti-India activities," it added.
As the diplomatic tussle with India over Trudeau's allegations grew, the Canadian Prime Minister issued another statement in an attempt to pacify the situation. "We are not looking to provoke or escalate. We are simply laying out the facts as we understand them," the Canadian PM told reporters, adding, "The government of India needs to take this matter with the utmost seriousness. We are doing that."
(With inputs from ANI)
