Indian Consulate Officials In Canada Are Under Surveillance: MEA Tells Rajya Sabha

Consular officials at the Indian Consulate in Vancouver were recently informed by Canadian authorities that they have been, and continue to be, under "audio and video surveillance," with their "private communications" also being "intercepted." The Government of India brought this matter to light in Parliament on Thursday.

In a written response in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh emphasized that "respect for each other's concerns, territorial integrity, and sovereignty are essential for a stable bilateral relationship."

Singh was responding to a query regarding any instances of cyber surveillance or other forms of monitoring targeting Indian diplomats in Canada. He confirmed the surveillance, stating:

"Yes, recently, consular officials at the Indian Consulate in Vancouver were informed by Canadian authorities that they have been under audio and video surveillance and that their private communications have been intercepted. The Government of India lodged a strong protest with the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi on this issue through a note verbale dated November 2, 2024. These actions represent a flagrant violation of diplomatic protocols," Singh noted.

The minister also referenced comments made by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson in a recent weekly briefing, asserting that Canada's actions cannot be justified by "technicalities" and accusing the Canadian government of harassment and intimidation. The MEA spokesperson stated:

"Our diplomatic and consular personnel are already operating in an environment of extremism and violence. The Canadian government's actions exacerbate the situation and are incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices."

Singh was also asked about measures being taken to ensure the safety and security of Indian diplomats in Canada. He reassured Parliament that the Government of India remains in continuous communication with Canadian authorities to guarantee adequate protection for Indian diplomats and diplomatic properties.

The minister highlighted the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security's biennial National Cyber Threat Assessment (NCTA) for 2025-2026, which, released on October 30, placed India under "Section 1 - Cyber Threat from State Adversaries." In response to the report, the MEA had expressed concerns about Canada's "negative" approach toward India, criticizing unfounded claims made without evidence, as Singh quoted from the Ministry's official statement.

When asked about the status of relations with Canada and whether the Canadian government had expressed its "inability" to provide minimum security to Indian diplomats, Singh confirmed that the two countries are in contact regarding the state of their bilateral ties. He reiterated the importance of respecting each other's concerns, territorial integrity, and sovereignty to maintain stable relations.

The Government of India has urged Canada to take prompt and effective action against anti-India elements operating from its soil. Singh outlined concerns over secessionist and extremist groups in Canada, including those glorifying the assassination of Indian leaders, issuing threats to Indian diplomats and political leaders, vandalizing places of worship, and advocating for the balkanization of India through "so-called 'referendums'."

While Canadian authorities have provided security protection for Indian diplomats and diplomatic properties, Singh acknowledged that Canada has recently "expressed its inability to provide security cover to our consular camps from violent acts perpetrated by secessionist and extremist groups."

Singh also noted that Canada is home to one of the largest Indian diasporas abroad, with nearly 1.8 million Indo-Canadians (about 4.7% of Canada's population) and approximately 1 million non-resident Indians, including 427,000 Indian students. He emphasized that the welfare, safety, and security of Indian nationals in Canada are of paramount importance to the Government of India.

The relationship between the two countries has been under significant strain since September of the previous year, when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of being "potentially" involved in the killing of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. 

India strongly rejected the allegations as "absurd," maintaining that the main issue between the two countries is Canada's support for pro-Khalistan elements operating with impunity on Canadian soil.