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India raises concerns over alleged surveillance of Consular Staff in Canada
MEA addressed challenges in India-Canada relations and cyber threats and has urged Canada to take stronger action.
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Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shake hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the family photo with invited guests at the G7 summit in Biarritz, France, August 25, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo / Reuters
The Indian government has formally raised concerns with Canada following information that consular officials at its Vancouver consulate were reportedly subjected to "audio and video surveillance," as well as the interception of "private communications."
This information was disclosed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of the Indian parliament, on Nov. 28. The context was a question put to the Ministry of External Affairs about instances of cyber or other surveillance targeting Indian diplomats in Canada.
In his written reply, Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, said: "Yes. 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."
He said India had lodged a strong protest with Canada by issuing a Note Verbale to the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi on Nov. 2. The communication described such actions as inconsistent with international diplomatic protocols and emphasized the importance of adhering to established norms.
Answering questions about the reasons behind the deterioration of India-Canada relations, Singh responded, “India has had, and continues to have a challenging relationship with Canada primarily because of the political space provided by the Canadian government to extremist and secessionist elements who advocate an anti-India agenda, and have been misusing Canadian freedoms for carrying out violent activities that threaten India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
The MEA highlighted the challenging environment faced by its personnel, noting that such actions could further complicate their ability to operate effectively. "Our diplomatic and consular personnel are functioning under difficult circumstances. These developments do not align with established diplomatic practices," said the MEA spokesperson in the weekly media briefing.
In addition to addressing these security concerns, the Indian government remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of Indian nationals in Canada, including students, workers, and residents.
The Minister assured that any issues affecting the safety or security of Indians in Canada are promptly raised with Canadian authorities for swift resolution.
He said, “Respect for each other’s concerns, territorial integrity, and sovereignty are the pre-requisites for any stable bilateral relationship. In this regard, Government of India has repeatedly urged the Canadian Government to take effective action against all anti-India elements operating from its soil.”
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