Canada Issues Fresh Travel Advisory for India Amid Rising Tensions

Canada has issued a new travel advisory for its citizens planning to visit India, citing an elevated threat of terrorist attacks across the country. The advisory, which urges Canadian travellers to exercise a “high degree of caution,” comes as tensions between Canada and India rise.

Travel Advisory for India

The travel advisory, released by the Canadian government, outlines several key areas of concern for Canadians planning to visit India. The most notable points include:

1. Avoiding Travel to Jammu and Kashmir

Canadian citizens have been strongly advised to avoid all travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The advisory cites the “unpredictable security situation” in the region, where there is a heightened threat of terrorism, militancy, civil unrest, and kidnapping. It is important to note that this advisory excludes travelling to or within the Union Territory of Ladakh.

2. Avoid Non-Essential Travel to Northeastern India

The Advisory also suggest Canadian nationals avoid all non-essential travel to the following states due to the risk of terrorism and insurgency:

• Assam
• Manipur

3. Border Areas Near Pakistan

Travel to areas within 10 kilometres of the border with Pakistan in the states of Gujarat, Punjab, and Rajasthan is discouraged.

The advisory cites an “unpredictable security situation” in these areas, emphasizing the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance. However, the advisory explicitly excludes the Wagah border crossing.

Tensions Rise Between the Two Countries

The travel advisory comes at a time when tensions between Canada and India are high. In recent months, there have been a number of incidents of hate crimes and sectarian violence against Hindus and Sikhs in Canada. India has also expressed concerns about Canada’s support for the Khalistani separatist movement.

India Expels Canadian Diplomat

Recently, India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau raised the possibility that Canadian agents may have been involved in the murder of a leader of an Indian separatist movement. India has denied any involvement in the murder.

The rising tensions between Canada and India are a cause for concern. Both countries are important partners, and it is in the interests of both sides to resolve their differences peacefully.

Final Words

For the most up-to-date information on travel advisories and safety precautions, Canadian citizens are encouraged to consult the official website of the Government of Canada and register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) service.

As the diplomatic rift continues to evolve, both countries will be closely watched for any further developments that could impact international relations and the safety of their respective citizens.