Canada has removed the extra security screening measures for travelers to India, which had been imposed earlier this week. This decision was confirmed by Transport Minister Anita Anand's office, which stated that the measures were initially introduced "out of an abundance of caution."
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) had been conducting enhanced checks for passengers and their baggage, particularly before entering restricted airport areas. These steps followed an incident last month, where an Air India flight from New Delhi to Chicago was diverted to Iqaluit after a bomb threat. However, no explosives were found onboard.
The heightened security coincided with escalating diplomatic tensions between Canada and India. In October, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) linked Indian government agents to a range of crimes in Canada, including murder, extortion, and intimidation. This led to the expulsion of six Indian diplomats by Canada, prompting a retaliatory move from India, which expelled six Canadian diplomats in response.
The RCMP also mentioned that there had been "well over a dozen" credible threats to members of the South Asian community, particularly those supporting the pro-Khalistan movement. India swiftly denied the allegations, leading to further diplomatic back-and-forth.
Despite these ongoing tensions, Canada has now decided that the additional security checks are no longer necessary, and travelers to India will now be subject to regular screening procedures.
The decision to strengthen security protocols for travelers to India comes after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported a month ago that it had evidence linking "agents" connected to the Indian government to organized crimes in Canada, including extortion, intimidation, coercion, and harassment.
Tensions between India and Canada continue to be strained, particularly due to Canada's alleged support for Khalistani separatists and its accusations against India regarding the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen whom India has designated a terrorist.
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