New Delhi:
Canada has updated travel advice for its citizens in India, asking them to “exercise a high degree of caution” just hours after the country withdrew 41 diplomats and closed most of its embassies and consulates in India. The move comes amid the bitter row between the two countries over the killing of a Khalistani terrorist on Canadian soil.
“Exercise extreme caution in India due to the threat of terrorist attacks across the country,” Canada’s advisory said.
“In the context of recent developments in Canada and India, there have been calls for protests and some negative sentiments towards Canada in traditional media and on social media. Demonstrations, including anti-Canada protests, may occur and Canadians may be subjected to harassment or intimidation. In Delhi and the National Capital Region, you should maintain a low profile with strangers and avoid sharing your personal information with them, the advisory added.
Earlier today, Canada withdrew 41 diplomats and their family members from India after the Center threatened to strip them of their diplomatic immunity.
Canada has also suspended all in-person services at its consulates in Mumbai, Chandigarh and Bengaluru and urged its citizens in these three cities to exercise caution. All Canadians in India have been asked to contact the High Commission in New Delhi if they need assistance.
“Exercise extreme caution in and around Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai. In-person consular services are temporarily unavailable in those cities or surrounding areas,” the advisory said.
“Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common. Criminals may target foreigners, especially in large cities and tourist areas,” the advisory said, calling on citizens to be vigilant in crowded locations and not to carry large sums of money.
Relations between India and Canada have deteriorated since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly linked Indian intelligence to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last month.
India calls the accusations ‘absurd’ and ‘motivated’. The diplomatic row threatens to turn into a major confrontation and both sides have expelled senior diplomats from the country and issued travel advisories.
Last month, India advised all its citizens living in Canada and those considering traveling there to exercise “extreme caution” in view of growing anti-India activities and “politically condoned” hate crimes in the North American country.