Transport Canada to increase screening for travellers to India

Transport Minister Anita Anand announced that additional security measures will be implemented for travelers heading to India, citing "an abundance of caution."

"Transport Canada has implemented temporary additional security screening measures," Anand stated in a news release issued Monday evening. Passengers may face delays at security checkpoints while these measures remain in effect.

A government official, speaking anonymously as they were not authorized to disclose details publicly, confirmed that the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will conduct the enhanced screenings. CATSA is responsible for examining passengers and baggage before they enter restricted airport areas. Measures may include hand swabs for trace detection, X-ray scans of carry-on luggage, and physical screenings.

The announcement follows a recent incident where an Air India flight traveling from New Delhi to Chicago was diverted to Iqaluit due to a bomb scare. Authorities found no explosives on the plane. However, the statement from Anand’s office did not link the new measures to any specific event.

This development also comes in the wake of allegations by the RCMP last month, accusing agents of the Indian government of involvement in crimes such as murder, extortion, and intimidation within Canada. These allegations led to Canada expelling six Indian diplomats in October. That same day, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme revealed that authorities were responding to "well over a dozen" credible and imminent threats targeting South Asian community members, particularly supporters of the pro-Khalistan movement.

India has denied the accusations and responded by expelling six Canadian diplomats from its territory.