India has issued a strong protest regarding “absurd and baseless” comments made by a Canadian minister concerning Home Minister Amit Shah, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday. The Indian government formally raised its concerns with the Canadian administration over revelations that Indian diplomats in Canada were subjected to “audio and video surveillance.”
During a press conference, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We summoned a representative from the Canadian High Commission on Friday. In a diplomatic note, we conveyed our strongest objections to the unfounded references made about the Union Home Minister by Deputy Minister David Morrison.” He emphasized that the deliberate leaks of unsubstantiated claims by Canadian officials to international media reveal a strategy aimed at discrediting India and influencing other nations, a perspective India has long held regarding the current Canadian government’s agenda.
This diplomatic row follows Morrison’s confirmation of Shah’s name in relation to actions against Sikh activists during a parliamentary session. He also mentioned having shared Shah’s name with The Washington Post, which first reported these allegations, although he did not clarify how Canada obtained this information. The accusations against Shah came after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested that Indian agents were involved in the murder of pro-Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, further straining India-Canada relations. Recently, India expelled six Canadian diplomats and recalled its High Commissioner to Canada amid rising tensions.
Additionally, Canada has labeled India as an “adversary” in its National Cyber Threat Assessment, asserting that Indian state-sponsored cyber actors may engage in espionage against Canada. In response, the MEA stated, “This is yet another attempt by Canada to undermine India. Senior Canadian officials have admitted to manipulating global opinion against us, often making allegations without evidence.”
Regarding the surveillance of Indian diplomats, Jaiswal noted that consular officials had been informed by the Canadian government that they were under audio and video surveillance, and their communications had been intercepted. “We have lodged a formal protest, considering these actions a blatant violation of diplomatic norms,” he said, asserting that such tactics constitute harassment and intimidation, particularly in a context of existing extremism and violence.
On reports of a canceled Diwali celebration at Canada’s Parliament Hill, Jaiswal expressed disappointment, stating, “It is unfortunate that the anti-India atmosphere in Canada has escalated to extreme levels.” Following backlash from the Hindu community, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre clarified that the event was not canceled but rather rescheduled to a different venue, addressing initial reports linking the change to geopolitical tensions.
Concerning the reduction in visa numbers by Canada, the MEA spokesperson affirmed, “We are closely monitoring the well-being of our students and professionals in Canada, maintaining strong concern for their safety and security.”
