New Delhi: On Saturday, India accused Canada of “harassment and intimidation” of its consular staff, alleging that Canadian authorities have subjected them to audio and video surveillance, a move India says blatantly violates diplomatic norms.
During a media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that India has “formally protested” to Canada about this conduct. Responding to reports of Indian diplomats in Canada allegedly being monitored amid the ongoing diplomatic tensions, Jaiswal stated that some consular officials were informed by Canada that they remain under audio and video surveillance, with their communications being intercepted.
Jaiswal emphasised that India considers these actions a serious breach of diplomatic and consular conventions.
“The Canadian government cannot use technicalities to justify its harassment and intimidation,” Jaiswal remarked.
In response, India has expelled six Canadian diplomats and recalled its high commissioner, Sanjay Verma, along with other “targeted” officials from Canada. Jaiswal noted that Indian diplomatic personnel were already operating in a challenging environment marked by extremism and violence, and Canada’s actions only worsen the situation, further straying from established diplomatic protocols.
Relations between the two nations have deteriorated significantly since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in September last year that Indian agents were potentially involved in the killing of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
