India and Canada have issued travel advisories warning citizens about possible security threats
After Ottawa updated a travel advisory for its citizens going to India amid a diplomatic row between the two countries, New Delhi responded with a tit-for-tat move, urging Indian nationals in Canada and those planning to travel to be cautious due to “growing anti-India activities” and “politically-sanctioned hate crimes and criminal violence.”
Indian nationals have been advised to avoid traveling to regions where Indian diplomats, as well as sections of the Indian community “who oppose the anti-India agenda” have been targeted.
In particular, students, who make up a large chunk of the Indian diaspora in Canada, have been advised to “exercise extreme caution” and remain “extra vigilant.”
Advisory for Indian Nationals and Indian Students in Canada:https://t.co/zboZDH83iw pic.twitter.com/7YjzKbZBIK
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) September 20, 2023
Canada, in its updated advisory, suggested its citizens “avoid all travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir due to the unpredictable security situation,” as well as the “threat of terrorism, militancy, civil unrest, and kidnapping.”
The actions of both nations are happening against the backdrop of a spiraling diplomatic standoff, after Canada alleged that the Indian government may have been involved in the killing of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June, without sharing any evidence.