MEA issues warning to Indian nationals in Canada to be wary of hate crimes

HYDERABAD: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued an advisory for Indian nationals and students in Canada on Wednesday in response to increased anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada.

Indians and those planning to travel to Canada were advised to exercise caution due to increasing anti-india activities, hate crimes, and criminal violence, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

MEA reports that threats were made to Indian diplomats and members of the Indian community who opposed the nationals' anti-India agenda.

Indian High Commission/Consulate General would maintain communication with Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the Canadian community.

Indian students in Canada were advised to exercise caution and remain vigilant due to deteriorating security. They were also advised to register themselves with the High Commission of India or Consulates General of India in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver through their respective websites.

In an official advisory for Indian nationals and students studying in the Canada Ministry of External Affairs reads, "In view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian nationals there and those contemplating travel are urged to exercise utmost caution. Recently, threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda. Indian nationals are therefore advised to avoid travelling to regions and

potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents.

"Our High Commission/Consulates General will continue to be in contact with the Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and well being of the Indian community in Canada. Given the deteriorating security environment in Canada, Indian students in particular are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant. Indian nationals and students from India in Canada must also register with the High Commission of India in Ottawa or Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver through their respective websites, or the MADAD portal. Registration would enable the High Commission and the Consulates General to better connect with Indian citizens in Canada in the event of any emergency or untoward incident, " the MEA advisory adds.