India has accused Canada of “harassment and intimidation” of its consular staff; for audio and video surveillance, India says cross a diplomatic norms. On November 2, in the Ministry of External Affairs briefing, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed India protesting to Canada over reports that several Indian diplomats are under surveillance due to animosity between the two states.
Jaiswal said that within the past few months some of the CICOs were told by the Canadian authorities that they are being surveilled through audiovisual means. Their communication have also been tapped and as much as we consider that as exceeding diplomatic etiquette.
He further said that despite the technical reasons being provided by Canada, the perception of intimidation does not go well down with Indian diplomats who in any case are already exposed to a very unfriendly environment blanketed by extremisms. “It deepens it and is against diplomatic norms,” Jaiswal added.
There has been a decline in relations between India and Canada after PM Justin Trudeau accused in September that there could be Indian link in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has responded by expressing concern with Canada as being a safe haven for pro Khalistan factions. As an answer, India expelled six diplomats from Canada and demanded to recall its High Commissioner, Sanjay Verma, and other officials.
India also recalled its Canadian High Commission representative to lodge a strong protest against the Canadian government’s allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “When it comes to Canada’s latest targeting, we called the Canadian High Commission representative… protesting in the strongest terms the absurd and baseless references made about the Union Home Minister by Deputy Minister David Morrison,” Jaiswal also said.
India says it still wants Canada to adhere to international treaties and provide its diplomats protections while performing their duties.
