Canadians cautioned against travel to India amid rising tensions

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - An updated travel advice Friday urged Canadians to exercise "a high degree of caution" when visiting India, citing security concerns including terrorism and civil unrest.

The advisory comes amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions following an attack Tuesday in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 victims, including 25 tourists.

New Delhi described it as a "terror attack" with "cross-border" links, blaming Pakistan, while Islamabad denied involvement.

Canadians are advised to avoid travel to Jammu and Kashmir due to "unpredictable security situations" involving terrorism, militancy, civil unrest and threats of kidnappings.

The advisory recommends avoiding areas within 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of the India-Pakistan border in Gujarat, Punjab and Rajasthan because of landmines, unexploded ordnance and security concerns.

Parts of northeastern India, including Assam and Manipur, are under a non-essential travel advisory due to "risks of terrorism and insurgency."

In Delhi and the national capital region, Canadians are urged to maintain a "low profile," avoid crowded places including public transport, travel with companions, and inform friends or family of plans.

The warning comes amid deteriorated India-Pakistan relations, with New Delhi unilaterally suspending a decades-old Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan warned that any attempt to divert water would be considered an "act of war."

Both countries have suspended visas for each other's citizens and closed airspace to the other's airlines.

Canada also warned about the risk of protests or anti-Canada sentiment.

Relations between India and Canada were severely strained following former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's 2023 allegation that linked Indian agents to the murder of Khalistani separatist activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. India denies involvement and accuses Canada of harboring Khalistani separatists.

Tensions worsened in October when Canada accused Indian diplomats of criminal activities, leading to mutual diplomatic expulsions.