India-Bound Travellers To Face Delays At Canadian Airports As New Security Rules Implemented Amid Ongoing Diplomatic Tensions

With tensions escalating between New Delhi and Ottawa, Canada has introduced additional security screening for air passengers flying to India.

Canada's Transport Minister Anita Anand announced the decision late on Monday (18 November) , describing it as part of "temporary" measures enacted "out of an abundance of caution."

"Transport Canada has implemented temporary additional security screening measures," for travellers to India, Anand was quoted as saying by Canadian broadcaster CBC.

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

The enhanced security protocols will be implemented by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), the agency responsible for screening passengers and their baggage before entering the restricted areas of Canadian airports.

Among the screening conducted by CATSA are hand swabs when a trace of a person is required, sending carry-on bags through X-ray machines, and physically screening passengers.

In view of the new protocols, Air Canada has warned passengers flying to India to expect longer security wait times and to arrive at airports four hours before departure to avoid inconvenience.

"Due to heightened security mandates by Transport Canada for all passengers travelling to India, security wait times are expected to be longer than anticipated for your upcoming flight," Hindustan Times reported citing a notification sent by Air Canada to fliers.

"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.

The enhanced security measures follow allegations made last month by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), claiming evidence of "agents" tied to the Indian government engaging in organised crimes in Canada, including extortion and harassment.

India has categorically denied these allegations, calling them "simply not true," and subsequently withdrew its High Commissioner, Sanjay Kumar Verma.

Diplomatic ties between India and Canada have deteriorated, with both nations expelling top diplomats.

India has criticised Canada for allegedly supporting Khalistani separatists and accused Ottawa of harbouring individuals like Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen labelled a terrorist by India.

The Indian government maintains that the core issue lies in Canada's inaction against pro-Khalistan groups operating freely from its territory.

Also Read: 'Profound Threat To US National Security': Elon Musk’s Deep Ties With China Under Fire Amid Trump 2.0 Role