05 Nov 2024 | 07:49 PM UTC
India: Protests denouncing diplomatic tensions with Canada possible nationwide through at least late November
Rallies denouncing recent bilateral tensions with Canada possible across India through at least late November. Disruptions likely.
Protests denouncing rising diplomatic tensions with Canada and related grievances are possible across India through at least late November. In recent weeks, bilateral relations between Canada and India have deteriorated due to various diplomatic issues, including the expulsion of senior diplomats from both sides. On Nov. 4, Hindu nationalist organizations, including the United Hindu Front and Shiv Sena, staged a rally at the Jantar Mantar observatory in New Delhi following a recent alleged attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada.
Although no groups have announced specific plans for such demonstrations, additional sporadic protest events of varying types are possible in the coming days. Potential gathering sites include Canadian diplomatic facilities, domestic government buildings, public squares, and major thoroughfares. Participation will likely vary by location and organizing group. Any further incidents involving Indians in Canada could contribute to increased civil unrest. Authorities will likely monitor such rallies and may move to disperse overly disruptive crowds. Clashes between police and activists cannot be ruled out. Associated localized business and transport disruptions are likely.
As a precaution, avoid any demonstrations that materialize. Depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Allow additional travel time near gathering sites. Plan accordingly for possible localized business disruptions. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission. Heed all official transport and security advisories.
Bilateral tensions between Canada and India have been escalating since September 2023, following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's claims of credible evidence linking the Indian government to the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen. India has consistently denied the allegations, and both nations have engaged in a series of diplomatic expulsions and public admonitions. Tensions surged further in mid-October when Prime Minister Trudeau accused Indian-affiliated agents of targeting Sikh activists in Canada, leading to another round of expulsions of senior diplomats on both sides.
Consular services in both countries remain disrupted, with Canada suspending visa and in-person services in several Indian cities as of early November. As the diplomatic issues persist, additional gatherings related to the Sikh separatist movement and tensions between Hindu and Sikh communities remain possible, especially in locations such as Canadian diplomatic facilities and public spaces, where clashes and related localized disruptions could occur.
