Canada tells its citizens in India to 'exercise high degree of caution' in major cities

Canada has updated its travel advisory for its citizens in India, urging them to "exercise a high degree of caution." This move follows Canada's withdrawal of 41 diplomats and the closure of most of its embassies and consulates in India, which comes in the midst of a bitter dispute between the two countries over the killing of a Khalistani terrorist on Canadian soil.

"Exercise high degree of caution in India due to the threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country," the advisory issued by Canada says. It also pointed out the potential for protests and negative sentiment towards Canada in both traditional media and on social media in the wake of recent developments.

Also Read: Consulates shut, Canada tells Indians to expect visa delays


"In the context of recent developments in Canada and India, there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada in traditional media and on social media. 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," the advisory stated.

Canada has also asked its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution in and around Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai. Consular services in-person are temporarily unavailable in those cities or surrounding areas. "If you need consular services, contact the High Commission of Canada in India, located in New Delhi. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa," the statement added.

Regional Risks

Parts of Northeastern India - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the following states due to the risk of terrorism and insurgency:

• Assam
• Manipur

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir - Avoid all travel

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.

This advisory excludes travelling to or within the Union Territory of Ladakh.

"The security situation in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is tense. There are high risks of violent protests, civil unrest and acts of terrorism and militancy," the advisory read, adding, "Violent clashes between militants and security forces occur regularly. Terrorist attacks against security forces have led to civilian casualties. Further attacks could take place at any time. You could find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Border areas with Pakistan - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to areas within 10 km of the border with Pakistan in the following states due to the unpredictable security situation and presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance:

• Gujarat
• Punjab
• Rajasthan

This advisory excludes the Wagah border crossing.

The advisory noted that petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching are common in India, with criminals potentially targeting foreigners, especially in major cities and tourist areas. Therefore, Canadian citizens were urged to be vigilant in crowded locations and avoid carrying large sums of money.

Diplomatic relations between India and Canada have deteriorated following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's public statement linking Indian intelligence to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has strongly rejected these allegations as "absurd" and "motivated." The ongoing diplomatic row has resulted in both countries expelling senior diplomats and issuing travel advisories.

Notably, India had previously advised its citizens in Canada to exercise "utmost caution" due to increasing anti-India activities and "politically-condoned" hate crimes in the North American country.