Canada, India Issue Travel Advisories Amidst Rising Tensions

OTTAWA (IANS, ANI) – Amid worsening bilateral ties in the wake of tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions over the alleged Indian involvement in the killing of a Khalistan leader on its soil, the Canadian government on September 19 issued a travel advisory, asking his citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution”. Delhi in turn, on September 20, issued an advisory urging Indian nationals in Canada and those planning to travel there to exercise caution. “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,” the advisory read. It also brought attention to the fact that Indian diplomats and other members of the Indian community who opposed the anti-India agenda have been the direct targets of threats. As a result, citizens of India were cautioned against visiting parts of Canada where such incidents had taken place. For better communication between the High Commission and the Consulates General with Indian citizens in Canada in the event of an emergency or incident, it was also suggested that Indian nationals and students register with the High Commission of India in Ottawa or the Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver via their respective websites. Canada while updating its travel advisory asked its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution in India due to the threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country.” Avoid non-essential travel to the following states due to the risk of terrorism and insurgency in Assam Manipur,” it said. It also warned its citizens to avoid travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir due to the unpredictable security situation. “There is a threat of terrorism, militancy, civil unrest, and kidnapping,” it said, adding, “This advisory excludes traveling to or within the Union Territory of Ladakh.” It also warned its citizens to avoid travel to border areas with Pakistan. “Avoid all travel to areas within 10 km of the border with Pakistan in the states of Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat due to the unpredictable security situation and presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance.”