India issued an advisory on Saturday, urging its nationals, especially students, to exercise "extreme caution" following the recent deaths of multiple Indian students in Canada. Over the past two weeks, three Indian students lost their lives in unrelated incidents, prompting New Delhi to demand a thorough investigation.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the incidents as "terrible tragedies." He emphasized the need for vigilance among Indian nationals due to the deteriorated security environment characterized by growing hate crimes and criminal violence across Canada. “We have issued an advisory for our nationals and Indian students to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant,” he said, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Engaging with local authorities, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa, alongside consulates in other Canadian cities, is pursuing inquiries related to these tragic events. "We extend our deepest condolences to the grieving families. Our High Commission and Consulates are extending all possible help in the matter," Jaiswal noted during his media briefing last week.
Official data reveals over 400,000 Indian students currently residing and studying in Canada. The first week of December saw three Indian students lose their lives. The tragic incidents included 22-year-old Gurasis Singh from Punjab, who was stabbed to death by his roommate on December 1. Singh had only arrived in Canada four months earlier to pursue his postgraduate studies.
A few days after Singh’s death, another 22-year-old student, Rittika Rajput, also from Punjab, died when she was struck by a falling tree during a late-night bonfire with friends at her home in British Columbia. She was declared dead at the scene.
On December 6, Harshandeep Singh, 20, of Indian origin, was killed by gang violence in Edmonton. Singh had been working security jobs to supplement his studies. The disturbing pattern of violence has raised alarms within the Indian community and prompted calls from India’s government for heightened safety measures.
The Indian government's advisory and its demands for justice for the slain students come amid already strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada. Tensions had escalated considerably after Canada accused Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma and other diplomats of involvement in the murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year. India refuted these allegations strongly, marking a low point for the two nations' relations.
Jaiswal reiterated at the briefing, "Our High Commission and Consulates are actively engaging with local authorities to assist wherever possible and to raise concerns faced by our nationals here." He also stressed the importance India places on the safety and wellbeing of its citizens abroad.
The advisory reflects broader concerns within communities, as students grapple with adapting to external dangers, with Jaiswal stating, "The safety, security and welfare of Indian nationals in Canada remains of utmost importance to us." Such statements underline the government’s commitment to address the troubling trend of violence against Indian students.
India's request for renewed investigations coincides with reports of potential threats faced by Indian nationals, especially students, amid rising hate crimes reported across Canada. These trends not only affect the Indian diaspora but could also have broader ramifications for Canada’s international student community.
The grim backdrop of murders highlights the precariousness of life for international students and reinforces the need for proactive measures, fostering dialogue, and safety initiatives to support the growing student population. Jaiswal emphasized the role of the Indian diplomatic missions which regularly discuss safety issues with Canadian authorities, stating, "Issues faced by them, especially Indian students, are raised on a regular basis. We aim for comprehensive support to our students during their stay."
Jaiswal’s mentioning of the proactive steps being taken reflects clarity and urgency as India attempts to navigate the current diplomatic quagmire.
For many students, studying abroad offers numerous benefits, including quality education and the chance for international experiences, but the recent events have cast doubt on the security of Indian students. The Indian diaspora has also expressed fears as experts warn of potential stigmas and hostile sentiments influencing safety.
This advisory is the second issued by India on safety protocols for students since the recent spate of violence. It aims to inform and protect those studying abroad, ensuring they are aware of the potential risks and encouraging proactive steps to maintain their security.
Calls for increased safety and justice echo within the community as families and friends mourn the loss of the students. Support networks and channels for information dissemination are stressed as pivotal for the welfare of the remaining Indian student population. The community hopes for swift action from both Indian authorities and Canadian law enforcement to prevent future tragedies.
