Indians continue to be targeted in Canada. In the last week, three Indian students were murdered in Canada, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.

While addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "In the last week or so, we have had unfortunate tragedies in Canada. Three Indian students have been murdered in violent crimes. We are deeply saddened by these terrible tragedies that have struck our nationals in Canada. We extend our deepest condolences to the families, grieving families. Our High Commission in Ottawa and our consulates in Vancouver and Toronto, they're in touch with the families."

"They are also pushing very hard, following up with the local authorities for a thorough investigation into the matter. Safety and security and welfare of Indian nationals, in particular students, for us in Canada and elsewhere is a matter of paramount importance," he added.

Jaiswal said the Indian High Commission in Ottawa and consulates are in regular touch with local authorities for their welfare and for their safety. "We have also issued an advisory for our nationals and our students to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant given the deteriorating security environment in Canada as a result of the growing incidence of hate crimes and criminal violence," he said.

According to official data, over 4.5 lakh Indian students are studying in Canada.

"I think we have the largest number of students in any country in Canada. Apart from that, our Indian community is very large there. The advisory that we have talked about we have alerted them that the law and order situation is not good there, this was some time ago and highlighting it now, underlining it is for the reason that now our three students have been murdered," said Jaiswal.