Indian consular officials monitored in Canada.
In a statement presented in the Rajya Sabha, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized the importance of mutual respect in maintaining a stable and constructive bilateral relationship. The MEA highlighted that “respect for each other’s concerns, territorial integrity, and sovereignty are essential” in fostering healthy diplomatic ties between nations. This assertion underscores India’s stance on ensuring that any international engagement is built on the foundations of mutual trust and acknowledgment of national boundaries.
The statement comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions with certain countries, reflecting India’s commitment to upholding its sovereignty and addressing its geopolitical concerns. The MEA reiterated that peaceful dialogue and mutual understanding are critical in resolving disputes and maintaining regional and global stability.
Indian Consular Officials in Canada Under Surveillance: Centre Lodges Strong Protest
New Delhi: Indian consular officials in Vancouver have been informed by Canadian authorities that they have been, and continue to be, subjected to audio and video surveillance, with their private communications also intercepted. This alarming revelation was shared by the Government of India in Parliament on Thursday, raising concerns over the violation of diplomatic protocols and the safety of Indian diplomatic personnel in Canada.
The disclosure was made during a parliamentary session, where Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan, addressed the issue, stating that Canadian authorities had officially communicated the ongoing surveillance activities to Indian consular officials. The revelation has further strained already tense diplomatic relations between the two countries, which have been facing challenges over recent geopolitical and bilateral issues.
Surveillance Details
According to the information provided, Indian diplomats in Vancouver were notified that their activities within the consulate premises were being monitored through both audio and video means. In addition, private communications, including telephonic conversations and digital correspondence, were reportedly intercepted by Canadian intelligence agencies.
This surveillance is seen as a significant breach of diplomatic protocols under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961, which mandates the host country to respect and protect the privacy and security of diplomatic missions and their personnel. The surveillance of diplomatic officials and the interception of their private communications not only infringe on their privacy but also compromise the integrity of diplomatic engagements.
India’s Strong Protest
In response to the revelation, the Government of India lodged a strong protest with the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi. The protest was communicated through a note verbale, a formal diplomatic communication, dated November 2, 2024. Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar, in his written response to Parliament, stated that the protest emphasized the “flagrant violation of all diplomatic provisions” by Canada.
He added that the Indian government has demanded an immediate cessation of such surveillance activities and sought assurances from Canada regarding the safety and security of Indian diplomatic personnel.
The note verbale also highlighted India’s expectation that Canada would take appropriate corrective measures to ensure that such breaches are not repeated in the future.
Impact on Bilateral Relations
The incident has added another layer of tension to India-Canada relations, which have been under strain in recent months due to various geopolitical and domestic issues. The diplomatic relationship between the two nations has faced challenges over disagreements on matters related to security, trade, and concerns over the activities of pro-Khalistan groups in Canada.
India has repeatedly raised concerns with the Canadian government over the activities of separatist elements operating within Canada, which it perceives as a threat to its national security and territorial integrity. The current surveillance incident further complicates the bilateral relationship, as it raises questions about mutual trust and respect for diplomatic norms.
Political analysts suggest that the surveillance of Indian consular officials may be linked to heightened security concerns in Canada, but such actions are unlikely to be justified under international law. The interception of private communications, in particular, is viewed as a serious overreach that could have legal and diplomatic repercussions.
Parliamentary Response and Future Actions
Members of Parliament expressed strong reactions to the revelation, with several urging the government to take a firm stance on the issue. Opposition leaders called for a comprehensive review of India’s diplomatic engagements with Canada and suggested that the matter be raised at the highest international forums, including the United Nations.
In response, the Ministry of External Affairs assured Parliament that it is closely monitoring the situation and will take all necessary steps to safeguard the interests of Indian diplomats abroad. The ministry also indicated that it is exploring options for further diplomatic engagement with Canada to resolve the issue amicably while ensuring that India’s concerns are adequately addressed.
Canada’s Position
As of now, the Canadian government has not issued an official statement regarding the surveillance allegations. However, diplomatic sources indicate that Canada may seek to clarify its position and engage in dialogue with India to address the concerns raised.
Experts believe that Canada will need to carefully navigate the situation to avoid further deterioration of bilateral ties with India, a key economic and strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region. Any escalation of the issue could have broader implications for trade, security cooperation, and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
Conclusion
The revelation of audio and video surveillance of Indian consular officials in Vancouver has sparked a diplomatic controversy, with India lodging a strong protest against what it perceives as a violation of international diplomatic norms. As the situation unfolds, both countries will need to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the issue and restore mutual trust.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring the security and privacy of Indian diplomatic personnel while maintaining the broader framework of India-Canada relations, which are crucial for regional stability and global cooperation.