Union Transport Minister Anita Anand said that “out of an abundance of caution” her ministry would increase safety measures for travelers to India.
“Transport Canada has implemented temporary additional security screening measures for travelers to India,” Anand said in a news statement Monday night.
“Passengers may experience some delays in testing while these measures are in place.”
Government officials told CBC News the additional measures will be implemented by the Canadian Air Transport Security Agency (CATSA), which is responsible for screening passengers and their baggage before entering restricted areas at Canadian airports.
Officials spoke on the background because they were not authorized to share details publicly.
Screening procedures carried out by CATSA include hand towel checks when human traces are required, X-ray screening of carry-on baggage, and body searches of passengers.
Last month, an Air India flight from New Delhi to Chicago was diverted to Iqaluit due to a bomb attack. No bomb was found on board.
A statement from Mr. Anand’s office makes no connection to any case.
Her announcement came a month after the RCMP alleged that Canadian government employees were complicit in a wide range of crimes, including murder, extortion and intimidation.
In October, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, but on the same day RCMP Commissioner Mike Duhame said he had committed “well over a dozen” cases against members of the South Asian community, particularly members of the pro-Khalistan movement. He talked about the immediate threat that could occur.
India denied the RCMP’s claims and quickly retaliated, ordering six Canadian diplomats to leave the country.
