Background of Diplomatic Tensions
India has expressed serious concerns regarding the surveillance of its diplomatic staff by Canada, alleging harassment and intimidation of its consular personnel. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned a representative from the Canadian High Commission to lodge a formal protest against Ottawa’s actions.
Strong Response from Indian Officials
Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized at a press conference in New Delhi that such “irresponsible actions will have serious consequences for bilateral relations.” This statement comes amid a deepening diplomatic crisis following allegations from Canada linking Indian officials to the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen of Indian origin and a prominent figure in the Khalistan movement, which advocates for an independent Sikh homeland.
Allegations Against Indian Officials
Nijjar was shot dead outside Vancouver in June 2023, and India has long accused him of terrorist activities, claims he denied. The diplomatic tensions escalated further when Canadian Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison suggested that Indian Home Minister Amit Shah sanctioned actions targeting Sikh separatists in Canada. Morrison confirmed he was the source of a recent report naming Shah as the official behind intelligence operations against these groups.
Surveillance Claims and Diplomatic Fallout
In response to these developments, Jaiswal stated that the Indian government believes Canada has intentionally leaked misleading information to the media in an effort to undermine India’s reputation internationally. He also mentioned that Indian consular officials in Ottawa were informed that they had been placed under audio and video surveillance, with their communications reportedly intercepted.
Expulsion of Diplomats
This diplomatic standoff intensified last month when Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, alleging their involvement in Nijjar’s murder. In retaliation, India expelled an equal number of Canadian diplomats, further straining the already fragile relations between the two nations.
