The Indian government summoned Canada’s diplomatic representative on Saturday to lodge a strong protest over what it termed as “absurd and baseless” allegations from Canadian officials suggesting that Union Home Minister Amit Shah authorised attacks on Sikhs in Canada. In a pointed response, India condemned these statements, saying such “unfounded insinuations” risk serious consequences for the relationship between the two nations.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), a formal diplomatic note was delivered to Canada’s high commission representative in response to remarks made by Canadian Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison during an October 29 hearing. Morrison’s allegation, implicating Shah, was described by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal as a “deliberate attempt to discredit India” and a violation of established diplomatic norms. Jaiswal noted that India’s objections were conveyed “in the strongest terms.”
The MEA spokesperson further disclosed that the Canadian government has, on multiple occasions, disseminated allegations about Indian government involvement in attacks against Canadians, without providing any substantiating evidence. This was reiterated following a recent meeting between Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Canadian officials in Singapore, where India had again requested verifiable evidence to back Canada’s claims.
Adding to the escalating diplomatic tension, India also voiced concern over the audio and video surveillance of Indian consular officials in Canada, condemning these measures as violations of diplomatic protocol. According to the MEA, Indian officials have been informed by Canadian authorities that they remain under surveillance, with some communications reportedly intercepted. “Such actions are not only flagrant breaches of international conventions but serve to intimidate and harass our officials,” the MEA stated, adding that India had filed a formal protest on this matter.
Addressing recent reports labelling India as an “adversary” in a Canadian cybersecurity document, Jaiswal asserted that this classification was “yet another example” of Canada’s campaign to malign India on the international stage. “Canada’s senior officials have openly stated that they seek to influence global opinion against India, a pattern we have noted repeatedly,” he said. India’s primary concern, he added, remains the safe harbour provided to pro-Khalistan extremists in Canada who, in India’s view, are seeking to destabilise Indian interests.
The controversy has also begun to impact cultural and social dynamics between the nations. The MEA expressed regret that Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre recently cancelled Diwali celebrations due to the ongoing tensions, remarking that “the atmosphere in Canada has reached troubling levels of intolerance and extremism.”
The diplomatic row has also created logistical setbacks, particularly for Indian students and workers in Canada. Amid concerns for their safety, India has pledged to monitor conditions closely for its nationals in Canada. “Our concern for their safety and security remains strong,” Jaiswal assured.
With both countries having recently engaged in tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats, Canada now has only four immigration officials stationed in India. Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller noted that this will impact the country’s visa processing capabilities, suggesting that the situation may further deteriorate before improving.
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