Canada updates travel advisory for India as Hardeep Nijjar killing row escalates: ‘Remain vigilant’

Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have surged following the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, with travel advisories and intelligence sharing further intensifying the dispute.

Canada recently updated its travel advisory for its citizens in India, urging them to "remain vigilant and exercise caution." This advisory comes in light of recent developments, including calls for protests and negative sentiment toward Canada on social media, all stemming from the Nijjar killing controversy. India had issued a similar advisory for its nationals and students in Canada while suspending visa services last week.

In its advisory, India cautioned its citizens in Canada to exercise "utmost caution" due to increasing anti-India activities and politically condoned hate crimes. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs referred to "threats" against Indian diplomats and Indian community members opposing the "anti-India agenda" in Canada, advising against travel to regions and venues where such incidents have occurred. Canada, however, rejected India's advisory, asserting its status as one of the safest countries globally.

Tensions between the two countries escalated when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar's killing on Canadian soil in June. India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020, but the Indian government dismissed these allegations as "absurd" and "motivated."

The United States played a role in the dispute by providing intelligence to Canada related to Nijjar's killing, strengthening Canada's claims against India. The US called for India's cooperation in the investigations. David Cohen, US ambassador to Canada, confirmed "shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners" informing Trudeau's allegations regarding Indian involvement in the murder.

As this diplomatic row continues, it strains relations between India and Canada and raises questions about the handling of intelligence and the impact of such disputes on international partnerships.

Also Read:  US Declares ‘No Special Exemption’ for India Amid Escalating Dispute Over Terrorist’s Killing

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