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Canada has temporarily suspended visa and in-person consular services in Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai. Consular services in-person will only remain available at the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi.
In the newly updated travel advisory, Canada says “In the context of recent developments in Canada and in India, there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada in traditional media and on social media.”
Canada updated its travel advisory on Thursday, Oct. 19, as it withdrew 41 diplomats from India amid a dispute over the murder of a Khlastani terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of having a link to the murder.
However, India has vehemently denied these allegations. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, made the announcement about the diplomats.
Joly said “As of now, I can confirm that India has formally conveyed its plan to unilaterally remove diplomatic immunities for all but 21 Canadian diplomats and dependents in Delhi by October 20.”
“This means 41 Canadian diplomats and their 42 dependents were in danger of having immunity stripped on an arbitrary date and this would put their personal safety at risk. Canadians watching may be wondering what this means for our operations in India. There’s no questions that India’s decision will impact levels of services to Consulates in both countries.”
Meanwhile, Canada warns its citizens in India that “demonstrations, including anti-Canada protests, could occur and Canadians may be subjected to intimidation and harassment.”
In Delhi and the National Capital Region, you should keep a low profile with strangers, and not share your personal information with them”, read the advisory. “Avoid crowded areas, including public transportation. You should always travel with someone and inform a friend or a family member of your travel plans.”
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