Amid soaring tensions between Canada and India, the latter has issued a travel advisory, wherein it cautioned Indian nations and students to refrain from visiting Ottawa rising amid hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada.
Sharing the advisory on the social media platform, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi alerted Indian citizens and students to refrain from travelling to Ottawa amid the fact that anti-India activities, hate crimes and criminal violence are on the zenith.
The official emphasised how Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the vested interests, have suffered serious threats in Canada.
"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," read the letter from the Ministry of External Affairs.
Contact Indian official in case of emergency: India
Further, Bagchi said that the Indian High Commission/Consulates General will continue to be in contact with the Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Canada. "Given the deteriorating security environment in Canada, Indian students in particular are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant," added the latest advisory.
"Indian nationals and students from India in Canada must also register with the High Commission of India in Ottawa or Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver through their respective websites, or the MADAD portal madad.gov.in. Registration would enable the High Commission and the Consulates General to better connect with Indian citizens in Canada in the event of any emergency or untoward incident," added the letter.
Diplomatic relations between India-Canada reached a new low
It is worth mentioning that the diplomatic relations between both nations have reached a new low following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's "baseless" allegations against India. He claimed that Canadian intelligence officials have concrete evidence of the involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Canadian citizen and Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
India, in staunch words, rejected the claims and tagged it a "baseless" allegation.
Later, in a tit-for-tat move, both nations expelled the diplomats from their respective nations.
