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Amid worsening ties between India and Canada, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed a troubling development on Thursday. Indian consulate officials in Canada have been subjected to audio and video surveillance, with their private communications being intercepted. The MEA characterized this as a “flagrant violation of all diplomatic provisions” and lodged a strong protest with the Canadian government on November 2, 2024.
Surveillance and Protests
Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, informed Parliament about the surveillance, which affected consular staff in Vancouver. He stated, “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”.
“The Government of India lodged a strong protest with the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi. These actions aggravate the situation and are incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices,” he further added.
The surveillance revelation adds to India’s concerns over the hostile environment faced by its diplomats and consular staff in Canada. Indian officials have faced challenges ranging from threats by extremist groups to the inability to organize community services due to security risks.
The minister of state’s reply to the Rajya Sabha also added that “The MEA spokesperson in his weekly briefing to the media also stated that: By citing technicalities, the Canadian Government cannot justify the fact that it is indulging in harassment and intimidation. Our diplomatic and consular personnel are already functioning in an environment of extremism and violence. This action of the Canadian Government aggravates the situation and is incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices.”
Diplomatic Challenges
While Canada has managed to ensure the safety of Indian diplomats and properties, it has expressed its inability to provide security for consular camps, leaving them vulnerable to attacks by extremist and secessionist elements. These camps, critical for offering passport and consular services, particularly to senior citizens requiring life certificates for pensions, have been repeatedly disrupted.
Kirti Vardhan Singh noted instances of secessionist groups glorifying assassinations of Indian leaders, issuing threats, and vandalizing places of worship. “This includes espousing for the balkanization of India by holding so-called referendums,” Singh added, a reference to activities by pro-Khalistan groups in Canada.
Cyber Threat Allegations
Further complicating the bilateral relationship is the inclusion of India in Canada’s National Cyber Threat Assessment (NCTA) report for 2025-2026, under the category “Cyber threat from state adversaries.” Released on October 30, 2024, the report alleges cyber threats originating from India, though it does not provide evidence. In response, the MEA criticized the report, calling it “another example of Canada’s negative approach to ties with India.”
Deteriorating Bilateral Ties
Tensions between India and Canada have reached their lowest point, marked by mutual expulsion of diplomats. This diplomatic spat was triggered by allegations from Canada linking Indian officials to the killing of a Canadian citizen, a charge India has strongly denied.
The Indian government continues to press for better security and adherence to international norms, underscoring its concerns in engagements with Canadian authorities. However, the surveillance of its diplomats and the inability of Canadian authorities to address extremist threats have deepened mistrust between the two nations.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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