Canadian Security Protocols Tightened for Flights to India

Amid growing tension between New Delhi and Ottawa, Canadian Transport Minister Anita Anand announced extra security screening protocols for passengers traveling from Canada to India. She made the announcement late on Monday evening. Authorities have implemented the new temporary protocols “out of an abundance of caution.“

“Transport Canada has implemented temporary additional security screening measures,” for travelers to India, Ms Anand was quoted as saying by Canadian broadcaster CBC. 

Passengers “may experience some screening delays while these measures are in place,” she said. 

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will implement the enhanced security protocols. The agency is responsible for screening passengers and their baggage before they enter the restricted areas of Canadian airports.

In view of the new protocols, Air Canada has warned passengers bound for Indian destinations of longer security wait times and asked them to reach airports at least four hours before their scheduled departure. 

Hindustan Times reported that Air Canada sent a notification to fliers. The notification stated, “Transport Canada has imposed heightened security mandates for all passengers traveling to India. Security wait times will likely be longer than anticipated for your upcoming flight.“

“To minimise any disruption to your travel plans, we recommend you arrive 4 hours prior to your flight’s departure. We appreciate your patience and understanding,” the notification added. 

Also See: Canada-India Tensions Rise Over Expelled Diplomats

Dispute Over Allegations

The move to enhance security protocols for travellers to India came a month after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCPM) claimed it had evidence of involvement of “agents“, acting on behalf of the Indian government, involved in ‘organised’ crimes in Canada including extortion, intimidation, coercion and harassment.

India has denied the RCMP’s allegations and said they were “simply not true“. India also withdrew its High Commissioner in Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma after dismissing Ottawa’s allegations. 

Since then, both countries have expelled each other’s top diplomats. Canada’s alleged support for Khalistani separatists and its accusation that India killed Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen whom India has designated a terrorist, have kept India-Canada ties deeply troubled.

India has been maintaining that the main issue between the two countries is that of Canada giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity.

This news is sourced from NDTV and is intended for informational purposes only.