India has lodged a formal protest following allegations made by Canadian officials suggesting that Union Home Minister Amit Shah orchestrated a campaign against Khalistan separatists in Canada.
In a diplomatic response, India labeled these claims as “absurd and baseless,” further condemning what it described as the “audio and video surveillance” of its consular officials by the Canadian government.
On Saturday, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), stated that a representative from the Canadian High Commission had been summoned, and a Diplomatic Note was presented concerning the proceedings of Canada’s Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, which took place on October 29, 2024.
The Note expressed strong disapproval of the references made to Amit Shah by Deputy Minister David Morrison during the committee meeting.
Jaiswal emphasized that the deliberate leaking of unfounded allegations to international media by high-ranking Canadian officials reflects a strategic effort to discredit India and influence global perceptions. He warned that such irresponsible actions could have serious implications for diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Additionally, Jaiswal reported that Indian diplomats had been informed by Canadian authorities of ongoing audio and video surveillance, as well as intercepted communications, asserting that these measures violated established diplomatic norms. He stated, “The Canadian government cannot justify harassment and intimidation under the guise of technicalities,” and noted that these actions exacerbate an already tense diplomatic environment.
The MEA spokesperson also commented on reports that some Canadian MPs, including Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, canceled Diwali celebrations, attributing this to a climate of rising intolerance and extremism in Canada.
In response to a Canadian cybersecurity report that labeled India as a state adversary for the first time, Jaiswal characterized it as part of Canada’s strategy to undermine India’s reputation, stressing that such claims are made without evidence.
India’s relationship with Canada has deteriorated significantly since September of last year, when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of potential involvement in the killing of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, allegations that India vehemently rejected as “absurd” and “motivated.”
Jaiswal reassured that India is closely monitoring the situation regarding the safety and security of Indian students and temporary workers in Canada amid the ongoing diplomatic tensions, particularly in light of recent visa issues and mutual expulsions of diplomats.