‘Exercise Utmost Caution’: MEA Advisory for Indians in Canada Amid Khalistan Row – News18

​In view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, the government of India has urged Indian nationals in Canada and those contemplating travel to exercise utmost caution.

A statement by external affairs ministry said that threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda.

It is also learnt that Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, met with PM Narendra Modi while Ajit Doval is said to have met Home Minister Amit Shah amid the rising tension between the two nations.

The government has therefore urged Indian nationals to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents.

The 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.

In the statement, the government mentioned that given the deteriorating security environment in Canada, Indian students in particular are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant.

“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 statement.

The advisory to Indian nationals and students in Canada comes amid escalating tensions between the two countries over Khalistan extremism. A senior Canadian diplomat was expelled on Tuesday by India in a tit-for-tat move after Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed “foreign powers” were behind the killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force terrorist group, and sacked an Indian diplomat.

High Commissioner to India Cameron MacKay was summoned by MEA headquarters at South Block in New Delhi on Tuesday amid India-Canada fireworks over Khalitsani terrorist’s death and was informed about the expulsion of the senior Canadian diplomat.

The diplomat has been asked to leave India within the next five days, sources said.

In a statement, MEA said that the decision reflects Government of India’s growing concern at the interference of Canadian diplomats in our internal matters and their involvement in anti-India activities.

Soon after the expulsion, MEA sources told News18 that the ministry’s grounds of diplomat expulsions are “strong and was in mind for long”.