India has issued a strong protest to Canada over what it describes as “flagrant violations” of diplomatic and consular conventions, after Canadian authorities informed Indian consular officials of ongoing surveillance activities.
In a media briefing on Saturday (Nov 2, 2024), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed India’s concerns, describing Canada’s actions as harassment and an affront to established diplomatic norms.
“Some of our Consular officials were recently informed by the Canadian Government that they have been, and continue to be, under audio and video surveillance. Their communications have also been intercepted,” Jaiswal stated.
“We have formally protested to the Canadian Government, as we view these actions as a flagrant violation of relevant diplomatic and consular conventions.”
The MEA spokesperson condemned Canada’s justification of these actions as based on “technicalities,” arguing that such explanations fail to address the deeper issue of Canada’s continued harassment of Indian personnel. Jaiswal highlighted the challenging environment Indian diplomats face, exacerbated by an atmosphere of extremism and violence that Canada’s actions are further aggravating.
India’s protest extends to recent statements by Canadian authorities implicating India in cybersecurity activities.
Responding to allegations in a Canadian cybersecurity report that hinted at Indian involvement in cyber incidents, Jaiswal countered: “This appears to be yet another example of a Canadian strategy to attack India. Their senior officials have openly stated that they seek to manipulate international opinion against India, and as in previous cases, these accusations lack any evidence.”
India also summoned a representative of the Canadian High Commission on Friday, presenting a Diplomatic Note that condemned specific comments made by Canada’s Deputy Minister David Morrison. These remarks, made during proceedings of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, implicated India’s Union Home Minister in ways India deems baseless. “The Government of India protests in the strongest terms to the absurd and baseless references made to the Union Home Minister of India,” Jaiswal stated, describing the accusations as an intentional attempt to undermine India’s standing. “Such irresponsible actions will have serious consequences for bilateral ties,” he cautioned.
On the issue of Indian visas, Jaiswal addressed India’s concern for its nationals residing in Canada, particularly students and temporary workers. “We are closely monitoring the well-being of students and temporary workers from India who are currently in Canada. Our concern for their safety and security remains strong,” he remarked. India’s attention to its citizens abroad reflects its commitment to protecting their welfare amid the ongoing diplomatic strain.
The recent reports of Diwali celebrations being cancelled in Canada were also raised. Jaiswal noted that such instances illustrate “a growing atmosphere of intolerance and extremism” in Canada, which adds to the list of issues exacerbating tensions between the two countries.
India’s formal protest signals a call for Canada to respect international diplomatic protocols and cease actions that compromise the security and dignity of Indian personnel. With relations between the two countries already strained, India has made it clear that such incidents risk impacting future bilateral cooperation.
