India Warns Citizens In Canada To Exercise Caution

India has urged its nationals in Canada and those planning to visit to exercise caution, as relations deteriorated after each nation expelled one of the other’s diplomats in an escalating row over the murder of a Sikh separatist leader.

Tension has grown since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday Canada was investigating “credible allegations“ about the potential involvement of Indian Government agents in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June.

“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,” India’s Foreign Ministry said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Government has rejected outright Canada’s suspicions that New Delhi’s agents had links to the murder.

“Given the deteriorating security environment in Canada, Indian students in particular are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant,” the Ministry added in a statement.

India has been the largest source nation for international students in Canada since 2018.

That figure rose 47% last year to nearly 320,000, making up about 40% of total overseas students, says the Canadian Bureau of International Education, which also helps institutions provide a subsidised education to domestic students.

Canadian Officials have so far declined to say why they believe India could be linked to Nijjar’s murder.

India’s main opposition Congress party also backed the Government’s rejection of the accusations, urging a stand against threats to the Country’s sovereignty.

REUTERS