Canada lifts extra security measures for travelers to India amid diplomatic tensions

The Canadian government has lifted the additional security screening measures for travelers to India, which were implemented earlier this week.

According to a report by CBC News, Transport Minister Anita Anand's office confirmed the removal of these measures, stating that they were initially introduced "out of an abundance of caution."

Earlier, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) had been tasked with conducting enhanced screenings for passengers and their baggage before entering restricted airport areas. This decision followed an incident last month where an Air India flight from New Delhi to Chicago was diverted to Iqaluit due to a bomb scare; no explosives were found on board.


The implementation of these measures coincided with heightened diplomatic tensions between Canada and India. In October, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) linked agents of the Indian government to various crimes in Canada, including acts of murder, extortion, and intimidation. Consequently, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, and India responded by expelling six Canadian diplomats.

Despite these diplomatic strains, the Canadian government has now deemed the additional security screenings unnecessary and has reverted to standard procedures for travelers to India.