NEW DELHI: India has lodged a strong protest over “baseless and absurd” remarks made by a Canadian official regarding Home Minister Amit Shah, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Saturday. Additionally, India raised concerns with Canada over recent revelations that Indian diplomats in Canada were subjected to “audio and video surveillance.”
During a press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We summoned the representative of the Canadian High Commission on Friday. In a diplomatic note, we conveyed that the Government of India protests the absurd references made to the Union Home Minister by Deputy Minister David Morrison. The admission that top Canadian officials knowingly spread unsubstantiated insinuations to the global media aligns with what we have long suspected about Canada’s political motives and strategy to undermine India. Such actions will have serious repercussions on our bilateral relationship.”
The controversy intensified after Morrison confirmed Shah’s name in a parliamentary session, linking him to alleged actions targeting Sikh activists. Morrison admitted that he had confirmed Shah’s involvement to The Washington Post, which initially reported the allegations, though he did not detail the evidence behind the claims.
The accusations against Shah follow earlier statements by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleging Indian involvement in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, further straining India-Canada ties. India has since expelled six Canadian diplomats and recalled its High Commissioner.
Canada’s Cybersecurity Label and Diplomatic Surveillance
Further fueling tensions, Canada labeled India as an “adversary” in its National Cyber Threat Assessment, alleging that Indian cyber actors may engage in espionage. The MEA criticized this, calling it part of a coordinated strategy to manipulate global opinion without evidence.
Jaiswal also confirmed that some Indian diplomats were informed by Canadian officials of being under surveillance, with their communications monitored. “We view this as a violation of diplomatic conventions. Citing technicalities cannot justify Canada’s actions, which exacerbate an already tense environment,” he noted.
Diwali Event Rescheduled Amid Rising Tensions
Regarding reports of a Diwali event cancellation at Canada’s Parliament Hill, Jaiswal added, “We find it unfortunate that Canada’s current anti-India sentiment has escalated to this degree.” Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre later clarified that the event had been rescheduled to a new venue.
The MEA spokesperson assured that India remains committed to the safety of its citizens residing and working in Canada, stating, “We are monitoring the well-being of our students and professionals in Canada and are vigilant regarding their safety.”
