Anurag Kumar
A day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s accusation of Indian involvement in the murder of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar sparked a diplomatic dispute, India advised its citizens in Canada to exercise extreme caution due to the rise of anti-Indian activities and “politically sanctioned hate crimes.”
India has already dismissed as “absurd and motivated” Trudeau’s claim of a “potential link” between Indian government agents and the assassination of Nijjar in June. The allegation had a devastating effect on bilateral relations, which were already at an all-time low, and both countries responded by expelling senior diplomats.
In an advisory aimed at Indian nationals and students in Canada as well as those intending to travel to the country, the external affairs ministry stated that members of the Indian community who “oppose the anti-India agenda” face threats.
The advisory reflected the tense state of the bilateral relationship, which has deteriorated over the past few years due to Canada’s perceived indifference to India’s demands for action against pro-Khalistan elements operating on Canadian soil.
“In light of increasing anti-India activities, politically sanctioned hate crimes, and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian nationals in Canada and those considering travel are urged to exercise extreme caution,” the advisory stated.
Recent threats have targeted Indian diplomats and members of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda, the report stated. The advisory cautioned Indian nationals to “avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents”.
According to those with knowledge of the situation, the advisory’s reference to “politically sanctioned hate crimes” indicates the Canadian government’s reluctance to strike down on the activities of groups and individuals advocating for Khalistan or an independent Sikh homeland.
On condition of anonymity, one of the aforementioned individuals stated, “These actions appear to be politically sanctioned by those in power in Canada.”
The Indian side has carefully observed the escalation of pro-Khalistan activities, which have included the targeting of Indian diplomats and diplomatic facilities, rallies with secessionist banners and posters, and the purported conduct of a Khalistan referendum in multiple cities.
In addition, the advisory stated that the Indian high commission in Ottawa and consulates in Toronto and Vancouver will remain in contact with Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the Indian community.
“Given the deteriorating security environment in Canada, Indian students in particular are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant,” the document stated.
According to the website of the Indian high commission in Ottawa, there are 230,000 Indian students and 700,000 non-resident Indians in Canada.
The advisory stated that Indian nationals and students in Canada “must also register” with the high commission or consulates via their websites or the MADAD portal (madad.gov.in). Registration would allow the missions to communicate with Indian citizens “in the event of any emergency or unforeseen event.”
In the meantime, Trudeau stated that Canada wants to “work with the Indian government to clarify everything and ensure proper cooperation”
Some of Canada’s allies in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance – which includes Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and New Zealand – have voiced concern over Trudeau’s accusations and stated that the perpetrators must be brought to justice.
Australian foreign minister Penny Wong stated on Wednesday that the issue had been brought up with Indian counterparts, while US ambassador Eric Garcetti called for the Canadian investigation to be allowed to proceed “before anyone rushes to judgment.” However, Garcetti also stated that Washington would take action against those responsible for attacks on Indian diplomats or diplomatic facilities in the United States.
Garcetti acknowledged that nations have varying interpretations of free speech, but stated that the United States considers the protection of diplomatic personnel “extremely seriously.” Referring to an act of arson committed by pro-Khalistan activists at the Indian consulate in San Francisco, he stated, “We’re working on this, on the protection of Indian diplomats and taking investigations of incidents like the one we witnessed in San Francisco very seriously.”
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He added, “Threats are threats, and it’s not just free speech when someone threatens.”
Garcetti added that it was premature to discuss a US role in the diplomatic dispute between India and Canada. The United States’ relationship with India is expanding, while its relationship with Canada is longstanding. “I believe it is critical for us to return to two or three principles – one, sovereignty and non-interference, two, allowing criminal justice investigations to take their course, and third [for] there to be accountability for that. “I believe it is too early to determine the exact outcome,” he said.
