Canada updates India travel advisory after Pahalgam attack, cautions citizens amid rising security risks

In the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir which killed 26 people, the Government of Canada has updated its travel advisory for India, urging citizens to "exercise a high degree of caution" across the country.

The advisory, issued on April 25, also includes fresh warnings about the closure of the Attari-Wagah border crossing between India and Pakistan, potentially affecting cross-border travel.

The Canadian government cited the ongoing threat of terrorist attacks throughout India and emphasised the need for travellers to remain vigilant, avoid crowded places, and monitor local security developments, especially in regions prone to unrest.

US issues stronger warning for J&K

Canada's move follows a much sharper advisory from the United States earlier this week.

The US State Department issued a "Do Not Travel" advisory for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, excluding the eastern Ladakh region and Leh, warning of possible terror attacks and violent civilian unrest.

It warned US citizens against traveling to popular tourist spots such as Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, and advised avoiding areas within 10 kilometres of the India-Pakistan border due to risks of armed conflict.

The Pahalgam massacre was the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama attack which target primarily tourists.

Following the Pahalgam attack, India suspended the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and announced the downgrading of diplomatic ties with Pakistan, expelling Pakistani military attaches in response to evidence of cross-border involvement.