MEA issues advisory to Indians in Canada due to rising hate crimes

Ministry of External Affairs issued an advisory on Friday, 23 September for Indian nationals and students residing in Canada over rising incidents of hate crimes and anti-India activities.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Indian missions in Canada have taken up these incidents with the Canadian authorities and requested them to probe these crimes.

“There has been a sharp increase in incidents of hate crimes, sectarian violence and anti-India activities in Canada. The Ministry of External Affairs and our High Commission/Consulates General in Canada have taken up these incidents with the Canadian authorities and requested them to investigate the said crimes and take appropriate action the perpetrators of these crimes have not been brought to justice so far in Canada.” the MEA said in a statement.

“In view of the increasing incidences of crimes as described above, Indian nationals and students from India in Canada and those proceeding to Canada for travel/education are advised to exercise due caution and remain vigilant,” the statement added.

The advisory further stated that Indian nationals and students studying in Canada might register through the Indian High Commission in Ottawa, the Indian Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver, or the MADAD portal at madad.gov.in.

“Registration would enable the High Commission and the Consulates General to better connect with Indian citizens in Canada in the event of any requirement or emergency,” the advisory said. This advisory comes a day after India on Thursday termed the so-called Khalistan referendum conducted by separatist groups as a “farcical exercise”.

Speaking at a weekly media briefing, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India had conveyed concerns to Canada about the use of its territory by politically motivated “extremist elements”.

India has deeply objected that “politically motivated exercises by extremist elements” are allowed to take place in a friendly country like Canada, he said.

“We would term it as farcical exercise. A farcical exercise was held by extremists and radical elements supporting the so-called Khalistan referendum in Canada,” Bagchi said.

According to Bagchi, the Canadian government has reiterated its respect for India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity after India raised the matter with them.