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The Canadian government has recently announced tightening of security checks at airports for travelers traveling to India. This decision has been taken in view of diplomatic tensions and recent security concerns between the two countries. Canada’s Transport Minister Anita Anand called the move necessary “out of an abundance of caution.” Anita Anand said that this decision has not been taken because of any particular person or incident. This step has been taken “out of an abundance of caution” to ensure the safety of passengers.
Extensive and stringent security checks are being conducted for passengers traveling to India at all airports in Canada. Under these changes, passengers will have to undergo additional screening procedures before boarding. Air Canada advises passengers to arrive at the airport at least 4 hours before their flight. Toronto Pearson International Airport has also warned travelers to prepare for possible delays and long waits. Passengers can now expect the boarding process to take longer. The possibility of flight delays may also increase due to additional security checks at the airport.
In October, an Air India flight (from New Delhi to Chicago) had to make an emergency landing at Equator Airport in Canada after a bomb threat. Although no explosives were found after a thorough investigation of the flight, the incident raised security concerns. Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, chief of Khalistani organization “Sikhs for Justice”, had recently threatened those traveling on Air India flights from November 1 to November 19. Pannu linked it to the “40th anniversary of the Sikh massacre” and tried to scare passengers. Pannu, who holds Canadian and US citizenship, has been issuing such threats in the past as well.
Let us tell you that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in September that agents of the Indian government played a role in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India described these allegations as “baseless” and “motivated”. Both countries then expelled their top diplomats, further straining diplomatic relations. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has also accused India of criminal activities in Canada such as murder, extortion, and intimidation.