India has issued a travel advisory to its citizens cautioning them about travel to Canada as tensions between the two nations escalate following allegations from Ottawa suggesting India’s involvement in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in suburban Vancouver. The advisory, released by India’s foreign ministry, urged Indian nationals, particularly students in Canada, to exercise caution due to “growing anti-India activities and politically condoned hate-crimes.” It also advised against visiting venues in Canada where threats have been directed at Indian diplomats and members of the Indian community opposing anti-India agendas.

The diplomatic rift between Ottawa and New Delhi deepened when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged India’s connection to the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh man killed in Canada. However, Canada has not presented evidence linking India to the incident. India rejected these allegations as “absurd and motivated” and accused Canada of sheltering terrorists and extremists who pose a threat to India’s sovereignty. The travel advisory and the expulsion of diplomats on both sides have further strained relations between the two nations, with diplomatic encounters during a recent G20 meeting and a planned trade mission to India from Canada both facing challenges in the wake of this dispute.