MEA advises Indian students in Canada to stay cautious and vigilant

With the diplomatic row deepening, the Ministry of External Affairs Government of India has issued an advisory for Indian nationals and Indian students in Canada to exercise caution.

Those intending to travel to Canada have also been urged to exercise “utmost caution”. This comes one day after the union government summoned Canadian envoy Cameron MacKay informing him about a decision to expel a senior Canadian diplomat. This was India’s response to the expulsion of an Indian official over the death of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

In an advisory, the MEA has said, “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. Recently, threats had particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda. Indian nationals are therefore advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents.”

Official spokesperson of the MEA, Arindam Bagchi shared the advisory on social media which said Indian students are advised to “exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant” given the deteriorating security environment in Canada.

However, the letter assures that Indian authorities have been coordinating with Canadian counterparts for better security.

“Indian nationals and students from India in Canada must also register with the High Commission of India in Ottawa or Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver through their respective websites, or the MADAD portal madad.gov.in. Registration would enable the High Commission and the Consulates General to better connect with Indian citizens in Canada in the event of any emergency or untoward incident,” reads the advisory.

An estimated 3.2 lakh students from India are studying in Canada, amounting to close to 40% of the international student diaspora there.

Advisory for Indian Nationals and Indian Students in Canada:https://t.co/zboZDH83iw pic.twitter.com/7YjzKbZBIK

— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) September 20, 2023