Transport Canada to increase screening for travellers to India

Federal Transport Minister Announces Increased Security Measures for Travellers to India

Federal Transport Minister Anita Anand has announced that, “out of an abundance of caution,” her ministry will be implementing additional security measures for people travelling to India. This decision comes in response to recent security concerns and incidents involving flights to and from India.

According to Anand, Transport Canada has put in place temporary additional security screening measures for travellers to India. Passengers may experience some screening delays while these measures are in effect.

These additional security measures will be carried out by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), the agency responsible for screening passengers and their baggage before entering restricted airport areas in Canada. Among the screening procedures conducted by CATSA are hand swabs, X-ray scans of carry-on bags, and physical screenings of passengers.

One recent incident that may have influenced the decision to increase security measures is the diversion of an Air India flight from New Delhi to Chicago to Iqaluit due to a bomb scare. Fortunately, no bomb was found on board.

While the statement from Anand’s office did not directly reference any specific incidents, the announcement comes on the heels of allegations made by the RCMP regarding the involvement of Indian government agents in criminal activities in Canada. These allegations led to the expulsion of six Indian diplomats from Canada in October.

Furthermore, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme revealed that there were “well over a dozen” credible and imminent threats to members of the South Asian community, particularly those associated with the pro-Khalistan movement. In response, India denied the allegations made by the RCMP and retaliated by expelling six Canadian diplomats from the country.

With the implementation of these enhanced security measures, Minister Anand aims to ensure the safety and security of travellers to India and maintain the integrity of Canada’s aviation security protocols.