Canada updates travel advisory for India over ‘negative sentiments’

Canada has revised its travel advisory for India after relations between the two countries worsened in recent days.

The update includes warnings about protests and “negative sentiments” towards Canadians in light of a recent breakdown in Canada-India relations.

Travel advisory issued by Global Affairs Canada

Global Affairs Canada in its latest update has urged travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting India.

“In the context of recent developments in Canada and in India, there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada on social media,” reads an update to the travel advisory. “Please remain vigilant and exercise caution.”

The update comes after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian authorities of being involved in the killing of a Canadian citizen. The deceased – Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a sikh activist and had been termed a terrorist by India, for leading demands for a separate homeland called Khalistan.

Trudeau announced in the Canadian Parliament that his government had “credible allegations” that Indian government agents may be connected to the Nijjar’s murder.

Canada and India have also expelled senior diplomats in reciprocal moves following Trudeau’s charge.

The Indian government additionally, halted all visa services for Canadian citizens along with updating its travel advisory, urged Indian nationals in Canada to exercise caution over “growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence”.