India accuses Canada of ‘harassment and intimidation’ against its consular staff, which violates diplomatic norms

India has accused Canada of “harassment and intimidation” against its consular staff, alleging they were subjected to audio and video surveillance, which India says violates diplomatic norms.

During a press conference on November 2, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India has formally protested to the Canadian government in response to reports that several Indian diplomats in Canada are under surveillance amid tensions ongoing diplomatic

“Recently, some of our consular officials have been informed by the Canadian government that they have been and continue to be under audio and video surveillance. Their communications were also intercepted. We consider these actions a clear violation of diplomatic and consular conventions,” Jaiswal said.

He pointed out that Canadian claims of technical justification do not excuse the harassment and intimidation faced by Indian officials. “Our diplomatic and consular staff are already operating in an environment marked by extremism and violence. This action by the Canadian government exacerbates the situation and goes against established diplomatic practices,” Jaiswal added.

Relations between India and Canada have deteriorated significantly since Prime Minister Trudeau’s September allegations of India’s potential involvement in the killing of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has consistently expressed concern that Canada provides a safe haven for pro-Khalistan groups operating with impunity.

In response, India expelled six Canadian diplomats and recalled its high commissioner Sanjay Verma, along with other targeted officials, after strongly rejecting Ottawa’s accusations.

Meanwhile, India summoned the representative of the Canadian High Commission and lodged a strong protest against Ottawa’s allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

“Regarding the latest Canadian target, I yesterday summoned the representative of the Canadian High Commission… The note conveyed that the Government of India protest in the strongest terms the absurd and baseless references made to the Home Secretary of the Union of India. before the committee by Deputy Minister David Morrison,” Jaiswal said.