NEW DELHI: India has lodged a protest in the strongest terms in regards to the “absurd and baseless” references made by a Canadian minister about home minister Amit Shah, the external affairs ministry said on Saturday, adding that it also formally protested to the Justin Trudeau government regarding recent revelations that Indian diplomats in Canada were placed under “audio and video surveillance”.
Speaking during a press conference, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “Regarding the latest Canadian target, we summoned the representative of the Canadian High Commission on Friday … It was conveyed in a diplomatic note that the Government of India protests in the strongest terms to the absurd and baseless references made to the Union Home Minister of India before the Committee by Deputy Minister David Morrison. In fact, the revelation that top Canadian officials deliberately leak unfounded insinuations to the international media as part of a conscious strategy to discredit India and influence other nations only confirms the view that the government of India has long held about the current Canadian government’s political agenda and behavioural pattern. Such irresponsible actions will have serious consequences for bilateral ties.”
The latest row between Canada and India erupted after Morrison confirmed Shah’s name during a parliamentary session, linking him to actions targeting Sikh activists.
Morrison had also told Canadian Parliament members of the national security committee that he had confirmed Shah’s name to The Washington Post, which first reported the allegations. While addressing the Parliament members, Morrison did not say how Canada knew of Shah’s alleged involvement.
The “baseless” allegations against the home minister, follow accusations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about Indian agents’ involvement in the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which has deteriorated India-Canada ties.
Amid rising tensions, India recently expelled 6 Canadian diplomats and recalled its High Commissioner to Canada.
Canada labels India as cybersecurity ‘adversary’
In addition to these accusations, Canada has labeled India as an “adversary” in its National Cyber Threat Assessment, further straining diplomatic ties.
The report suggests that Indian state-sponsored cyber actors may conduct espionage against Canada.
Reacting to the report, the MEA said: “We see this as yet another Canadian strategy to attack India. Canadian senior officials have openly confessed that they are seeking to manipulate global opinion against India … as on other occasions, these imputations are made without any evidence.”
Indian diplomats under surveillance
Jaiswal further said that some consular officials were recently informed by the Canadian government that “they have been and continue to be under audio and video surveillance”.
“Their communications have also been intercepted. We have formally protested to the Canadian government as we deem these actions to be a flagrant violation of relevant diplomatic and consular conventions. By citing technicalities, the Canadian government cannot justify the fact that it is indulging in harassment and intimidation. Our diplomatic and consular personnel are already functioning in an environment of extremism and violence. This action of the Canadian Government aggravates the situation and is incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices,” the MEA said.
‘Cancelled’ Diwali event
On the reports of a cancelled Diwali celebration at Canada’s Parliament Hill, Jaiswal said: “We have seen some reports in this regard. It is unfortunate that the prevailing anti-India atmosphere in Canada has reached high levels of intolerance and extremism.”
After severe backlash from the Hindu community, leader of the Conservative Party Pierre Poilievre had clarified that the event was not cancelled but rather rescheduled to a different venue. This clarification came from Poilievre, following initial reports that suggested the event was canceled due to recent geopolitical tensions between Canada and India.
On the reduction in the number of visas by the Canadian government, the MEA spokesperson said: “We are monitoring the well-being of our students and professionals who are working in Canada. Our concern for their safety and security remains strong.”