Consular officers on the Indian consulate in Vancouver have been lately knowledgeable by Canadian authorities that they’re and have been subjected to “audio and video surveillance” and that their “personal communications” have been “intercepted,” the Centre knowledgeable Parliament on Thursday.
In a written response to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Exterior Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh acknowledged, “Respect for one another’s issues, territorial integrity, and sovereignty are important for a secure bilateral relationship.”
When requested about situations of cyber or different surveillance concentrating on Indian diplomats in Canada, Singh confirmed the reviews. He famous, “Not too long ago, consular officers on the Indian Consulate in Vancouver have been knowledgeable by Canadian authorities that they’ve been, and proceed to be, beneath audio and video surveillance and that their personal communications have additionally been intercepted.”
The Authorities of India lodged a proper protest with the Canadian Excessive Fee in New Delhi via a notice verbale on 2 November 2024, terming these actions a flagrant violation of diplomatic provisions.
Singh additionally cited feedback made by the Ministry of Exterior Affairs (MEA) spokesperson in a current briefing: “By citing technicalities, the Canadian authorities can’t justify indulging in harassment and intimidation. Our diplomatic and consular personnel already function in an surroundings of extremism and violence. This motion by the Canadian authorities aggravates the state of affairs and is incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices.”
Concerning the security of Indian diplomats, Singh stated the federal government stays in steady engagement with Canadian authorities to make sure enough safety for diplomatic personnel and properties.
The minister highlighted that Canada’s Nationwide Cyber Risk Evaluation report for 2025-2026, launched on 30 October, positioned India beneath “Part 1 – Cyber menace from state adversaries.” In response, the MEA described this as one other occasion of Canada’s “unfavorable” strategy to bilateral relations, stating that allegations towards India have been made “with none proof.”
Singh additionally addressed issues about safety provisions for Indian consular camps, noting that whereas Canadian authorities have offered safety for diplomats and diplomatic properties, they lately expressed their incapacity to safeguard consular camps from violent acts by extremist and secessionist components.
He additional reiterated India’s name for immediate and efficient motion by Canada towards anti-India actions on its soil. This contains addressing threats towards Indian leaders and diplomats, stopping the glorification of political assassinations, and halting campaigns for India’s fragmentation via so-called “referendums.”
India and Canada have a detailed connection via their sizeable diaspora, with practically 1.8 million Indo-Canadians and one other million non-resident Indians, together with roughly 427,000 Indian college students. Singh emphasised that guaranteeing the security and welfare of Indian nationals in Canada stays a precedence for the Indian authorities.
Relations between the 2 nations have been strained since allegations by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in September final 12 months of “potential” involvement of Indian brokers within the killing of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India dismissed these claims as “absurd,” sustaining that the core situation lies in Canada offering house for pro-Khalistan components to function with impunity.
(With inputs from PTI)
