India-Canada Row: Travel Advisory Updates and OCI Card Suspensions

In the wake of recent developments in India, the Canadian government has issued an updated travel advisory for its citizens in India. This advisory urges Canadians to “stay vigilant and exercise caution” due to growing concerns about protests and a surge of “negative sentiment” towards Canada on social media platforms.

The tension between India and Canada stems from allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which have triggered a series of diplomatic exchanges and policy shifts.

India angrily rejected the allegations as “absurd” and “motivated” and expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move to Ottawa’s expulsion of an Indian official over the case.

Canada’s Updated Travel Advisory

“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. Please remain vigilant and exercise caution,” the Canadian government said in an update on Sunday.

Top-10 Developments on the India-Canada Row

In a bid to offer a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing situation, we present the top 10 developments in the India-Canada row.

1. OCI Card Holders Facing Cancellation

The Indian government is currently in the process of cancelling the registration of numerous Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders. This action is being taken due to their alleged involvement in pro-Khalistan activities and anti-India propaganda.

2. Call for Diplomatic Dialogue

Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair has called for a diplomatic dialogue between India and Canada to find common ground and alleviate the recent strain in relations.

3. Protests Against Prime Minister Trudeau

In India, a group of individuals staged a protest against Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Jantar Mantar, accusing him of supporting Khalistani separatists.

4. Canada’s Foreign Policy Shift

Reports indicate that Canada is planning to implement a ‘foreign policy reset,’ moving away from its traditional ‘middle-power approach’ and redirecting its focus towards ‘Indo-Pacific diplomacy.’ This shift in policy mirrors a similar trend in China-Canada relations.

5. Intelligence Sharing Behind Trudeau’s Claims

The US Ambassador to Canada mentioned that the Trudeau administration’s claims of a potential link between “agents” of the Indian government and the killing of separatist Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar were based on “shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners.”

Also Read: Indian Citizens in Canada Urged to Register for Safety Amid Rising Concerns

6. Concerns Among Indian Students in Canada

Growing tensions between India and Canada have raised concerns among Indian parents whose children are studying in Canada. Many report that their children are not only worried but also find it difficult to concentrate on their studies amid the ongoing turmoil.

The High Commission of India in Ottawa has also issued an advisory urging all Indian citizens and students residing in the country to register themselves on the Govt of India portal. 

7. Confiscation of Properties

Indian investigative agencies have confiscated the properties of an alleged Khalistani militant, Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, whom they accuse of engaging in terror activities in India.

8. Soaring Airfares

Last-minute airfares for India-Canada routes have witnessed a significant surge. Direct flights between New Delhi and Toronto have exceeded ₹1.46 lakh, while the Toronto-Delhi route has surpassed ₹1.01 lakh.

9. Temporary Suspension of Visa Services

India has temporarily suspended visa services in Canada. BLS International, a visa processing firm, received a notice from the Indian mission in Canada stating that visa operations had been suspended until further notice.

10. Visa Issuance Continues

Contrary to India’s suspension of visa services, Canadian authorities have not halted the issuance of visas to Indian nationals seeking entry into the North American country.

These key developments provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving India-Canada relationship, marked by diplomatic tensions and shifting policies on both sides.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains crucial for citizens and students in both countries to stay informed and exercise caution while authorities work towards resolving the issues at hand.