India has accused Canada of “harassment and intimidation” against its consular staff, alleging they were subjected to audio and video surveillance, which India says violates diplomatic norms.

At a press briefing on November 2, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had formally protested to the Canadian government in response to reports that several Indian diplomats in Canada were under surveillance in a context of persistent diplomatic tensions.

“Recently, some of our consular officers were informed by the Canadian government that they were and continue to be under audio and video surveillance. Their communications were also intercepted. We consider these actions a blatant violation of diplomatic and consular conventions,” Jaiswal said.

He stressed that Canadian claims of technical justification do not excuse the harassment and intimidation faced by Indian officials. “Our diplomatic and consular staff already operate in an environment marked by extremism and violence. This action by the Canadian government exacerbates the situation and contradicts established diplomatic practices,” Jaiswal added.

Relations between India and Canada have deteriorated significantly since Prime Minister Trudeau’s allegations in September regarding India’s potential involvement in the assassination of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has consistently raised concerns that Canada is providing safe haven to pro-Khalistan groups operating with impunity.

In response, India expelled six Canadian diplomats and recalled its high commissioner Sanjay Verma, as well as other targeted officials, after strongly rejecting Ottawa’s accusations.

Meanwhile, India had summoned the representative of the Canadian High Commission and lodged a strong protest against Ottawa’s allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

“Regarding the latest Canadian target, yesterday we summoned the representative of the Canadian High Commission… It was stated in the note that the Indian government protests in the strongest terms against the absurd and basis made to the Union Home Minister of India before the Committee by Deputy Minister David Morrison,” Jaiswal said.