New Delhi, October 20: Canada has issued an advisory for Canadian citizens living in India amid the diplomatic standoff. The advisory said there could be anti-Canadian protests in India, and Canadian citizens could face threats or harassment.
Apart from this, the operations of the Consulate General of Canada in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai have been temporarily closed.
Canada has also officially announced that it has reduced the number of its diplomats in India.
Canada has issued an advisory to its citizens saying that there is opposition and some negative sentiment towards Canada in the traditional and media in relation to recent developments in Canada and India. Anti-Canadian demonstrations may occur, and Canadians may be subject to threats or harassment. One should minimise associating with strangers in Delhi and the NCR and not share their personal information with them. Avoid crowded areas, including public transport and to travel with someone and inform a friend or family member of your travel plans.
It said in-person consular services are temporarily unavailable in and around Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai. In-person consular services will remain available at the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi. Extreme caution should be exercised in and around Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai.
Apart from this, one can also contact the Emergency Monitoring and Response Centre in Ottawa at any time.
It is noteworthy that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tried to blame India’s foreign intelligence agency RAW for the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who lived in Canada. India had taken a strong stand on this, calling it absurd and malicious.
India says that due to domestic politics, the Canadian government is supporting Khalistanis, who are openly threatening to attack Indian diplomats and missions.
The Foreign Minister has replied to this. He says that Canada has made allegations related to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, first privately and then publicly.
In both cases, India has replied that it has never had such a policy. He said that if Canada has any reliable information in this regard, then it should share it with India. India will consider this with an open mind.
At the same time, in view of interference in India’s internal affairs, the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi was asked to reduce the number of its diplomats and related staff.
This step was taken after India temporarily banned entry visa services for Canadian citizens. India has bluntly asked Canada not to provide a safe haven for terrorists and to ensure the security of Indian diplomatic missions and diplomats in Canada.
