Harassment and intimidation, India claims officials in Canada are under surveillance

India has accused Canada of surveilling consular staff amid escalating diplomatic tensions over allegations of involvement in the killing of separatists.

Amid a deepening diplomatic crisis, the Indian government has made serious accusations Canadaalleging that Canadian authorities are conducting surveillance on Indian consular staff. On Saturday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong condemnation of Ottawa’s actions, saying it lodged the “strongest protest” following the Canadian minister’s comments against Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The row escalated after Canada’s deputy foreign minister, David Morrison, told a session of parliament that a senior official in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government was involved in plans to attack Sikh separatists living in Canada. The claim drew a swift and sharp rebuke from Indian officials, who called the allegations “absurd and baseless” and warned of serious ramifications for bilateral relations.

Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson, said the Canadian government had informed some Indian consulates that they were under audio and video surveillance. Jaiswal described the actions as harassment and intimidation, saying: “Our diplomatic and consular staff are already working in an environment of extremism and violence.”

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In addition, he clarified that the Canadian government’s justifications, which refer to technicalities, cannot hide the fact that such surveillance practices are a clear violation of diplomatic norms. Jaiswal said the interception of communications greatly impedes adherence to established diplomatic protocols.

The current diplomatic standoff began last month after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau it was alleged that certain Indian agents were involved in the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijar, who was gunned down in September 2023. The allegation prompted India to recall its High Commissioner to Ottawa and other diplomats who were believed to be targeted. In response, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, a move that was mirrored by India.

After these events, a war of words began between the two nations, marked by a series of accusations and counter-accusations. Diplomatic contradictions show no signs of abating, and both governments stand firmly on their positions.

The situation has raised concerns about broader implications for diplomatic relations and cooperation between India and Canada, two countries that share significant ties in trade, education and cultural exchange. As tensions rise, observers are left wondering how this diplomatic impasse will play out and what it means for the future of India-Canada relations.