Canada to increase screening for travellers flying to India

Federal Transport Minister Anita Anand has announced increased security measures for travelers to India, citing “an abundance of caution.” In a statement issued Monday evening, she emphasized that Transport Canada has introduced temporary additional security screenings, which may lead to delays at airports.

According to a report by CBC News, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will oversee the enhanced screenings, which include hand swabs, X-ray inspections of carry-on luggage, and physical screening of passengers. These measures are aimed at ensuring the safety of travelers, though officials did not connect the new protocols to any specific incidents.

The announcement follows an Air India flight’s emergency landing in Iqaluit last month due to a bomb scare. No explosives were found on the aircraft.

This development comes amid ongoing tensions between Canada and India. Last month, the RCMP alleged involvement of Indian government agents in criminal activities within Canada, including intimidation and violence against the South Asian community. India has denied these accusations and responded by expelling six Canadian diplomats.

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While Minister Anand’s statement did not link the enhanced screening measures to these diplomatic tensions, they come as Canada continues to address broader security concerns related to India.