Officials at the Indian Consulate in Canada said they are under surveillance, private communications intercepted: MEA | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Officials at the Indian Consulate in Canada have learned that they were under “audio and video surveillance and their private communications were also intercepted”, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday. It added that the Indian government had already lodged a protest with Justin Trudeau’s government on November 2, citing “blatant violation of all diplomatic provisions”.
“Recently, consular officers of the Indian Consulate in Vancouver were informed by Canadian authorities that they were and continue to be under audio and video surveillance and that their private communications were also being intercepted,” Kirti Vardhan Singh said in a written response. in Rajya Sabha.
The Foreign Office’s secretary of state responded to a question on whether there had been “any instances of cyber surveillance or other forms of surveillance targeting Indian diplomats in Canada.”
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“The Government of India has strongly protested on this issue before the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi. Please refer to her note verbale dated November 2, 2024, as these actions were a blatant violation of all diplomatic provisions,” the statement said.
In his response, the minister also referred to a statement made by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during the media briefing on November 2.
“By citing technicalities, the Canadian government cannot justify indulging in bullying and intimidation. Our diplomatic and consular staff already operate in an environment of extremism and violence. This action by the Canadian government aggravates the situation and is incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices,” Jaiswal had said.

‘Canada does not provide security to our consular camps’

The minister said Canadian authorities have successfully ensured protection of Indian diplomats and diplomatic properties. They have expressed their inability to secure our consular camps against violent acts by secessionist and extremist groups.
“While Canadian authorities have been able to provide security protection to our diplomats and diplomatic properties, they have recently expressed their inability to protect our consular camps from the violent acts of secessionist and extremist elements. This has prevented our diplomats and consulates officers from providing much sought after consular and passport related services at camps specially organized with the help of community members for the benefit of both Indian and Canadian citizens, especially senior citizens/retirees seeking ‘ to live’. certificates” to get their pension,” he said.
“This includes preventing secessionist and extremist elements from glorifying the assassination of our leaders; issuing threats to our current political leadership and diplomats; disrespecting and destroying places of worship; and supporting the balkanization of India by holding so-called referenda,” he said. .
When asked about the safety and security of Indian officials in Canada, Singh said, “The Indian government remains continuously engaged with the Canadian side to ensure that adequate protection is provided to our diplomatic personnel and assets at all times.”
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Relations between India and Canada hit a low point after the two countries expelled each other’s diplomats amid escalating tensions and the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil.
India had also strongly protested against a Canadian minister’s “absurd and baseless” allegations over Home Minister Amit Shah’s permission to allow attacks in Canada.
Relations deteriorated further after attacks on Hindu temples in Canada and their condemnation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.