“Transport Canada has implemented temporary additional security screening measures"

Amid rising tensions between India and Canada, passengers traveling from Canada to India are now subject to enhanced security screenings. Canada's Transport Minister, Anita Anand, announced the new measures on Monday, citing “an abundance of caution” as the reason behind the heightened protocols.  

“Transport Canada has implemented temporary additional security screening measures,” Anand stated, according to CBC reports. She also acknowledged the potential for travel delays and urged passengers to prepare accordingly while the measures remain in place.  

Oversight by CATSA  

The enhanced screening procedures will be conducted under the supervision of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), responsible for overseeing passenger and baggage screenings at Canadian airports.  

Advisory Issued by Air Canada  

Air Canada, the primary airline connecting Canada and India, has issued an advisory to passengers, warning of longer wait times due to the heightened security checks. The airline has recommended that travelers heading to India arrive at the airport at least four hours prior to departure to avoid disruptions.  

“Due to heightened security mandates by Transport Canada for all passengers traveling to India, security wait times are expected to be longer than usual. We appreciate your patience and understanding,” Air Canada said in a notification, as reported by the 'Hindustan Times'.  

Context of the Diplomatic Strain  

The move comes amidst ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations, triggered by allegations and counter-allegations. In October, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) accused individuals allegedly linked to the Indian government of involvement in organized criminal activities in Canada, including extortion and harassment.  

India has dismissed these accusations as baseless. The situation escalated further when both nations expelled each other's top diplomats. Additionally, India withdrew its High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, following accusations from Ottawa that linked India to the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen designated as a terrorist by the Indian government.  

These developments have significantly strained India-Canada relations, leading to the imposition of stricter travel protocols as a precautionary measure.