India has issued a travel advisory warning its citizens to be cautious when traveling to Canada due to the escalating tension between the two countries. The rift stems from allegations made by Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, that India may have been involved in the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader in Vancouver. The advisory highlights the growing anti-India activities and politically condoned hate crimes in Canada, urging Indians to avoid venues where Indian diplomats and members of the Indian community have been targeted.
India asks citizens to be careful if traveling to Canada as rift widens over Sikh leader’s death
India has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to exercise caution when traveling to Canada. The advisory comes as tensions between the two nations escalate following allegations made by Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, that India may have been involved in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in Vancouver. The advisory highlights the increasing anti-India activities and politically condoned hate crimes in Canada, particularly targeting Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose anti-India agenda.
Allegations and Diplomatic Tussle
Canada has accused India of being connected to the assassination of a Sikh independence advocate on Canadian soil. India has denied any involvement and has called the accusations absurd and motivated. The rift between Ottawa and New Delhi has led to the expulsion of diplomats from both countries. However, Canada has yet to provide any evidence to support its claims of Indian involvement in the assassination.
Background on the Assassination
The assassination in question is that of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a 45-year-old Sikh leader who was killed by masked gunmen in Surrey, near Vancouver. Nijjar, a Canadian citizen born in India, had been accused by India of having links to terrorism. He was working to organize an unofficial Sikh diaspora referendum on independence from India at the time of his death.
Despite the travel advisory, Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc has reassured that Canada is a safe country.
