Indian government takes steps to strengthen assistance for its citizens abroad in Canada

The Consulate General of India in Toronto has taken significant steps to expand its consular services, providing vital support to Indian citizens residing in Canada. These extended services encompass passport issuance, attestation, police clearance certificate issuance, and passport renewal. In an official statement shared on social media, the Consulate General of India in Toronto reaffirmed its commitment to delivering these crucial services to the Indian community in Canada.

Cautionary Advisory Amid Bilateral Tensions: Recent tensions between India and Canada have prompted the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to issue a cautionary advisory to Indian citizens, focusing on students studying in Canada and those planning visits. The advisory comes in response to the escalating strain in bilateral relations between the two countries.

According to the MEA statement released on September 20, Indian citizens, including students in Canada, are urged to exercise caution and avoid areas within the country where anti-India activities have been on the rise. The statement highlights concerns about politically condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, which have targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community opposed to the anti-India agenda.

Importance of Registration and Vigilance: The MEA emphasizes the importance of Indian nationals and students in Canada registering with either the High Commission of India in Ottawa or the Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver. Registration can be completed through the official websites of these diplomatic missions or the MADAD portal at madad.gov.in. This registration is crucial as it enhances the ability of Indian authorities to establish effective communication with Indian citizens in Canada in case of emergencies or adverse situations.

Given the deteriorating security environment in Canada, the MEA advises Indian students, in particular, to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant.

Origins of Escalating Tensions: The current escalation in tensions between India and Canada can be traced back to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations against the Indian government. On Monday, Trudeau made allegations suggesting the involvement of the Indian government in the fatal shooting of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who had been designated as a terrorist by India. Nijjar was fatally shot in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, on June 18.

In response to these allegations, India swiftly rejected them, characterizing them as "absurd" and "motivated." The expulsion of a senior Canadian diplomat from India followed this rejection. The MEA, in an official statement, reiterated its stance, stating, "Allegations of the Indian government's involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated."

The MEA also pointed out that similar allegations had been made by the Canadian Prime Minister to the Indian Prime Minister and had been completely rejected.

As tensions continue to simmer, Indian authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and Indian citizens in Canada are being urged to exercise caution and stay informed about developments through official channels.

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