New Delhi- India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a formal protest to the Canadian government following revelations that Indian consular officials in Canada were subjected to audio and video surveillance, terming it a "flagrant violation" of diplomatic conventions.

During a press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal revealed that Canadian authorities recently informed some Indian consular officials about the surveillance. Jaiswal denounced Canada’s attempts to justify these actions on technical grounds, asserting that such explanations cannot legitimize the "harassment and intimidation" faced by Indian diplomatic personnel.

"Our diplomatic and consular staff already operate in an environment marked by extremism and violence," Jaiswal noted, emphasizing that Canada’s actions worsened the situation and contradicted established diplomatic norms. "This is a clear violation of the conventions governing diplomatic conduct," he added.

Jaiswal also pointed to Canada’s recent designation of India as a "cyber adversary," grouping it with countries like Russia, China, and North Korea. "This seems like part of a broader strategy to malign India," he stated, accusing Canada of attempting to shape global opinion against India based on unsupported allegations.

Relations between the two countries have been strained since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed in Parliament last year that "credible allegations" linked India to the assassination of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has categorically denied the allegations, labeling them "absurd" and accusing Canada of providing refuge to anti-India extremists.