The growing tensions between Canada and India over the killing of separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar have seen much to and fro from both countries on the diplomatic level.

Both the countries’ representatives were asked to leave, and travel advisories were updated. Indian visa services in Canada were also halted earlier today, stating ‘operational issues’.

With a large number of students aspiring to study, or already studying in Canada from Gujarat, the students and parents are anxious about the developments taking place between the countries. 

Many students have postponed their plans

Many aspiring students from Gujarat have decided to wait for things to improve before setting off for Canada. The visa consultancies in the state have experienced an increased volume of inquiry calls about the situation in Canada.

For students from Gujarat, Canada has been a preferred academic location for higher studies. A number of students have already reached Canada for the September intake. The largest number of applications in these colleges are from Gujarat. 

From India, 2,26,450 students have flown to Canada for their higher studies this year. From Gujarat, on average 8,000 to 10,000 students fly to study in Canada every year.

Travel agents said that the anxiety among students and parents has risen. On Sept 20, 12-15 students decided to defer their plans for Canada.

The India-Canada relations and Khalistan

The Indo-Canadian relations started to turn sour when on Sept 19, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau hinted at India’s involvement in the killing of separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey in June.

Reports suggest that Trudeau had also brought up his concerns to his Indian counterpart PM Modi, however, they were dismissed by PM Modi. 

India also officially replied to Trudeau’s allegations, calling them ‘absurd’ and ‘motivated’.

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