New Delhi: Amid diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, the Justin Trudeau government updated its travel advisory for Canadian citizens in India. In its revised advisory, citizens in and around Bengaluru, Mumbai and Chandigarh, have been asked to "exercise a high degree of caution". The updated travel advisory comes in the wake of Canada announcing the withdrawal of 41 diplomats from India.
“Exercise a high degree of caution in and around Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai. Consular service in person are temporarily unavailable in those cities or surrounding areas,” the updated travel advisory read.
“Demonstrations, including anti-Canada protests could occur and Canadians may be subjected to intimidation or harassment. In Delhi and the National Capital Region, you should keep a low profile with strangers, and not share your personal information with them. Avoid crowded areas, including public transportation. You should always travel with someone and inform a friend or a family member of your travel plans,” the travel advisory added.
The country has also advised its citizens to avoid “non-essential” or any forms of travel to some parts in India.
According to the advisory, Canada asked its citizens to avoid “non-essential” travel to Assam and Manipur. It also asked to avoid all forms of travel to Jammu and Kashmir, and within 10km of the border with Pakistan in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Punjab. However, Ladakh and Wagah border crossing were excluded.
“Avoid all travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir due to the unpredictable security situation. There is a threat of terrorism, militancy, civil unrest and kidnapping,” the advisory said.
Meanwhile, Canada Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said that India has revoked the diplomatic immunity of 41 diplomats, which she said is “contrary to international law”.
"As of now, I can confirm that India has formally conveyed its plan to unethically remove diplomatic immunities for all but 21 Canadian diplomats and dependents in Delhi by tomorrow, 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," Holy said as reported by AFP.