In light of escalating tensions surrounding the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India released a statement on September 20, 2023, urging Indian nationals and travelers to Canada to exercise extreme caution due to increasing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and violence in the country.
The MEA statement noted that Indian nationals and students in Canada have been "targeted in recent months by extremist elements with increasing frequency and intensity." The statement also expressed concern about the "growing climate of hatred and intolerance towards the Indian community in Canada."
The MEA urged Indian nationals in Canada to:
- Avoid attending large gatherings or protests, especially those that are politically motivated.
- Be vigilant in public places and avoid traveling alone, especially at night.
- Report any incidents of anti-India discrimination or hate crimes to the local police and to the Indian High Commission in Ottawa.
The MEA also advised Indian nationals and students in Canada to register with the Indian High Commission in Ottawa so that they can be contacted in case of an emergency.
The MEA statement comes amid a period of heightened tensions between India and Canada following the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan activist, in British Columbia in June 2023. The Canadian government has accused Indian agents of being involved in Nijjar's murder, while the Indian government has denied these allegations.
Indian nationals in Canada are advised to follow the MEA's advice and exercise extreme caution.
