Canada-India relations have soured in recent months, escalating over allegations of an assassination connected to high-level government involvement. In a recent advisory, the Canadian government urged citizens to reconsider travel to India, citing safety concerns given the current diplomatic climate. This advisory has drawn significant international attention, underscoring the gravity of the evolving crisis between the two countries.
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mélanie Joly, released an official statement warning that certain social media factions in India have issued calls for a hostile stance toward Canadians. Due to this development, Joly advised Canadian travelers to exercise caution, especially in crowded public spaces, political protests, and religious gatherings. The Foreign Affairs Ministry also recommended Canadians register with its “Registration of Canadians Abroad” service for timely support during emergencies.
Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau (left) and Indian Prime Minister Modi. (Associated Press)
The diplomatic standoff began when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the assassination of a Canadian Sikh leader. This accusation has drawn a strong response from India, which expelled Canadian diplomats and halted visa issuance for Canadian citizens. Canada, in turn, responded by expelling several Indian diplomats. This high-stakes diplomatic dispute has plunged bilateral relations to their lowest point in recent years, with analysts noting this as one of the most serious confrontations between Canada and India in recent memory.
India subsequently issued a travel advisory of its own, cautioning Indian citizens against traveling to Canada. These reciprocal warnings have not only disrupted the travel plans of ordinary citizens but have also raised concerns over the broader impact on trade, education, and technological exchange between the two nations. Canada is home to a substantial Indian diaspora, whose members now face an uncomfortable dilemma, torn between loyalties to their homeland and their lives in Canada.
As this situation unfolds, Canadian officials are advising citizens to remain vigilant, stay updated on local security developments, and maintain close contact with the Canadian Embassy in India.
Source: Government of Canada
EasyCan Inc. Journalism: Written by Shengji Lin