Tensions between India and Canada have raised concerns for Indian students seeking higher education in Canada. The Indian government issued a statement cautioning Indian students in Canada about the increasing incidents of anti-India activities and politically-motivated hate crimes and violence. While it didn’t advise against travel to Canada, it highlighted a deteriorating security situation and recommended avoiding areas targeted by those with an “anti-India agenda.”
Some worry that continued warnings from the Indian government about conditions in Canada might reduce the demand for Canadian higher education. However, a similar warning issued last year had minimal impact, as Canadian police services couldn’t identify a rise in anti-Indian violence.
Indian students constitute about 40% of the 800,000 international students in Canada. They form the largest group in Canadian schools, followed by China at 12% and the Philippines at 4%. In at least six Ontario colleges, there are more students from India than from Canada.
India is the primary source of international students in Canada, with their numbers increasing by 47% to 320,000 last year. The tuition for international students, significantly higher than for Canadian students, has become crucial to the finances of many postsecondary institutions.
In the Indian state of Punjab, some Sikhs are concerned about potential repercussions from India’s Hindu-nationalist government and the impact on their aspirations for a better life in North America. While Sikhs comprise only 2% of India’s 1.4 billion population, they are the majority in Punjab, where their religion originated 500 years ago. Canada has the largest population of Sikhs outside of Punjab, often leading to protests that have unsettled India.
Jaspreet Singh, founder of the International Sikh Students Association, believes that the political tensions are unlikely to significantly affect Sikh international students in Canada. He anticipates that India wouldn’t close off an avenue of migration that provides opportunities for young people who might otherwise struggle to find employment or a university placement. He also noted that any attempt to do so would likely result in significant opposition.
