• Source:JND
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Days after announcing extra security checks for Indian passengers “out of an abundance of caution," Canada has reversed the orders amid the rising tensions between India and Canada. The revised measures state that travelers to India will not be subject to extra screening. 

Anita Anand, Canada's transport minister, on Monday announced new protocols for extra screening and said that the "temporary additional security screening measures" may cause passengers some delays. The screening process included running carry-on luggage through X-ray equipment, hand swabs when a trace of a person is necessary, and physically screening people. 

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Air Canada advised travelers to arrive four hours prior to coordinate with the officials after the announcement. "Due to heightened security mandates by Transport Canada for all passengers traveling to India, security wait times are expected to be longer than anticipated for your upcoming flight," Air Canada said. "To minimise any disruption to your travel plans, we recommend you arrive 4 hours prior to your flight's departure. We appreciate your patience and understanding," the notification added.

The relations between India and Canada soured after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian officials of being involved in killing Khalistani terrorist and Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver in June last year. He claimed "credible information" had been shared with intelligence partners, including the US. 

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"I think it is obvious the Government of India made a fundamental error in thinking they could engage in supporting criminal activity against Canadians, here on Canadian soil. Whether it be murders, extortion, or other violent acts, it is absolutely unacceptable," Trudeau said.

However, India denied all the allegations by calling them "absurd" and "motivated" and also accused Canada of providing space to extremists and anti-India elements in their country. The Canadian government expelled Indian diplomats after New Delhi expelled Canadian Charge d'Affaires Stewart Wheeler and five other diplomats.