Indian diplomats in Canada under surveillance, Centre informs Parliament

Indian consular officials ‘under audio, video surveillance,’ in Canada, their ‘private communications’ monitored: Centre

Indian government has informed Parliament that its consular officials in Vancouver, Canada, have been subjected to both audio and video surveillance, and their private communications have been intercepted by Canadian authorities. The revelation, made by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh on Thursday, underscores growing tensions between the two countries over issues related to diplomatic security.

In a written response to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Singh confirmed that the Indian consulate officials were notified by Canadian authorities that they were under ongoing surveillance. The interception of private communications and monitoring of consular activities were flagged as violations of diplomatic norms.

“The Government of India lodged a strong protest with the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi on this issue through a note verbale on November 2, 2024,” Singh said. The government condemned these actions as a “flagrant violation” of international diplomatic provisions.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had earlier raised concerns about Canada’s actions. MEA’s spokesperson criticized Canada’s justification of the surveillance, asserting that it amounted to harassment and intimidation. The spokesperson further emphasized that Indian diplomats are already operating in a hostile environment marked by extremism and violence, and these actions exacerbate the situation.

Singh assured Parliament that the Indian government remains in continuous dialogue with Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and protection of its diplomats. “The safety of Indian diplomats and diplomatic properties is a priority,” he affirmed.

Cyber threats and bilateral strain

In addition to surveillance concerns, Singh also pointed to Canada’s National Cyber Threat Assessment report, which categorized India under “Cyber threat from state adversaries” in its 2025-2026 report. The Indian government expressed dissatisfaction with the report, calling it another example of Canada’s “negative approach” toward India, particularly in the absence of credible evidence.

The strained bilateral relations between India and Canada have been further complicated by accusations of Canada harboring pro-Khalistan elements. Singh reiterated that India has repeatedly urged the Canadian government to take action against these groups, who have been responsible for glorifying extremist violence and threatening Indian diplomats and political leaders.

Regarding the broader issue of diplomatic security, Singh noted that while Canada has provided some security protection to Indian diplomats and properties, the authorities have “expressed their inability” to shield consular officials from violent acts perpetrated by secessionist and extremist elements. This has raised concerns about the protection of Indian nationals in Canada, especially given the large Indo-Canadian population.

With around 1.8 million Indo-Canadians and 1 million non-resident Indians, including nearly 430,000 Indian students, Canada hosts one of the largest Indian diasporas. The Indian government has made it clear that the welfare, safety, and security of its citizens in Canada remain a priority.

The current tensions are rooted in longstanding disagreements between the two countries, notably following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau‘s allegations in September 2023 about India’s potential involvement in the killing of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. New Delhi rejected these allegations as “absurd” and has consistently highlighted the Canadian government’s failure to act against anti-India elements operating within its borders.

As the situation continues to unfold, India is focusing on ensuring that its diplomats and citizens are protected from any form of harassment, while calling on Canada to take concrete steps against extremism and uphold the spirit of diplomatic relations.

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