'Flagrant Violation Of Diplomatic Conventions': MEA Protests Canadian Surveillance Of Indian Consular Officials

With tensions between India and Canada still at an all-time low, India on Saturday (2 November) said that several of its consular officials had been notified by the Canadian government that they have been under audio and video surveillance, and termed the action a "flagrant violation" of diplomatic conventions.

Emphasising that Canada cannot evade responsibility by relying on technicalities to justify its harassment and intimidation, India said it had lodged a protest with the Canadian government.

"Some of our 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," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a press briefing on Saturday.

"We have formally protested to the Canadian government as we deem these actions to be a flagrant violation of relevant diplomatic and consular conventions," Jaiswal added.

Highlighting that Indian diplomatic staff are already operating in an environment of "extremism and violence", Jaiswal said, "By citing technicalities, the Canadian Government cannot justify the fact that it is indulging in harassment and intimidation... This action of the Canadian government aggravates the situation and is incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices".

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