Centre issues advisory over ‘sharp rise in hate crimes, anti-India activities’ in Canada

“There has been a sharp increase in incidents of hate crimes, sectarian violence and anti-India activities in Canada. The Ministry of External Affairs and our High Commission/ Consulates General in Canada have taken up these incidents with the Canadian authorities and requested them to investigate the said crimes and take appropriate action. The perpetrators of these crimes have not been brought to justice so far in Canada,” the MEA said.

The advisory comes a day after India reacted sharply to the “so-called Khalistan referendum” in Canada, saying it was “deeply objectionable” that such a “politically motivated” activity by extremist elements was allowed to take place in a friendly country.

The MEA also urged Indian nationals and students who are headed to Canada to be cautious. Indians have been asked to register themselves with the High Commission of India in Ottawa or the consulates in Toronto and Vancouver through their respective websites or the MADAD portal (madad.gov.in).

“Registration would enable the High Commission and the Consulates General to better connect with Indian citizens in Canada in the event of any requirement or emergency,” the MEA said.

With 1.83 lakh Indian students pursuing education at various levels in the country, Canada is the second most popular destination for Indians pursuing academic degrees abroad.

MEA data shows that in the first six months of 2022, as many as 60,258 Indians went to Canada for education, making it second only to the US, which saw 64,667 incoming Indian students during the same time period.

With PTI inputs