Indian diplomats in Canada under surveillance, communications intercepted: Centre
India lodged a strong protest with Canada after learning that Indian consulate officials in Vancouver were subjected to audio and video surveillance and had their private communications intercepted, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh told the Rajya Sabha.
Singh, responding to a query about surveillance of Indian diplomats in the Upper House on Thursday, said, "Recently, consular officials at the Indian Consulate in Vancouver were informed by the Canadian authorities that they have been, and continue to be under audio and video surveillance and that their private communications have also been intercepted."
He added, "Government of India lodged a strong protest with the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi on this issue via a note verbale dated November 2, 2024, as these actions were a flagrant violation of all diplomatic provisions."
The surveillance targeting Canadian diplomats is the latest issue to bog down ties between India and Canada, which have been Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of India’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India rejected the claims as "absurd" and "motivated", while maintaining that Canada's failure to curb pro-Khalistan elements operating from its soil is a major point of contention.
Singh also briefed lawmakers about ongoing safety concerns for Indian diplomats, citing harassment and intimidation. He revealed that while Canadian authorities have provided security for diplomats and diplomatic properties, they recently informed Indian officials of their inability to guarantee security for consular camps due to threats from extremist elements.
This has disrupted services critical for Indian and Canadian citizens, including senior citizens requiring "life certificates" for pensions, the Minister stated.
Despite these challenges, India continues to engage with Canada on ensuring the safety of its diplomatic personnel and properties.
"On the question of safety and security of Indian diplomats in Canada, the Government of India remains continuously engaged with the Canadian side to ensure that adequate protection is offered at all times to our diplomatic personnel and properties," Singh said, and reiterated that respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty is essential for a stable bilateral relationship.
Tensions between India and Canada reached a boiling point when both countries expelled top envoys after Ottawa identified Indian diplomats as "persons of interest" in its investigation into Nijjar's killing.
Earlier this month, India had also strongly protested a Canadian media report, quoting a top official in the Trudeau administration, that alleged Union Home Minister Amit Shah authorised attacks in Canada, dismissing the claims as "smear campaign." The Canadian government later clarified there was no evidence linking top Indian leaders to Nijjar's murder.
The Ministry of External Affairs informed Parliament that Indian consular officials in Canada are under "audio and video surveillance" and that their private communications have been intercepted.
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