India accuses Canada of “harassing and intimidating” its consular staff who violate diplomatic norms

India has accused Canada of “harassing and intimidating” its consular staff, alleging they were subject to audio and video surveillance, which India says violates diplomatic norms.

During a media briefing on November 2, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said India had formally protested to the Canadian government in response to reports that several Indian diplomats in Canada were under surveillance amid ongoing diplomatic tensions.

“Recently, the Canadian government notified some of our consular staff that they are being and remain under audio and video surveillance. Their communication was also intercepted. We consider these actions a clear violation of diplomatic and consular conventions,” Jaiswal said.

He emphasized that Canada’s claim of technical justification does not justify the harassment and intimidation Indian officials are facing. “Our diplomatic and consular staff already work in an environment marked by extremism and violence. This action by the Canadian government exacerbates the situation and goes against established diplomatic practice,” Jaiswal added.

Relations between India and Canada have soured significantly since Prime Minister Trudeau’s September allegations of India’s possible involvement in the killing of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijar. India has consistently raised concerns that Canada is a safe haven for pro-Khalistan groups that operate with impunity.

India responded by expelling six Canadian diplomats and recalling its high commissioner Sanjay Verma along with other officials, strongly rejecting Ottawa’s accusations.

Meanwhile, India has summoned a representative of the Canadian High Commission and issued a strong protest over Ottawa’s allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

“Regarding Canada’s latest objective, we summoned a representative of the Canadian High Commission yesterday… The note conveyed that the Government of India strongly protested against the absurd and baseless references made to the Home Secretary of India. before the Committee by Deputy Minister David Morrison,” said Jaiswal.