Indian consulate officials in Vancouver were recently informed by the Canadian authorities that they have been and continue to be under “audio and video surveillance” and that their “private communications” have also been “intercepted”, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh reportedly informed Parliament on Thursday.

“Recently, consular officials at the Indian Consulate in Vancouver were informed by the Canadian authorities that they have been, and continue to be under audio and video surveillance and that their private communications have also been intercepted. The Government of India lodged a strong protest with the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi on this issue,” the written response read.

Singh was also asked about the details and the steps taken to ensure the safety of Indian diplomats.

He responded that regarding the safety and security of Indian diplomats in Canada, the government of India remains in constant communication with the Canadian authorities to ensure that adequate protection is consistently provided to our diplomatic personnel and properties.

As informed by Singh, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security in its biennial National Cyber Threat Assessment (NCTA) report for the period 2025-2026, released on 30th October 2024, placed India under “Section 1 - Cyber threat from state adversaries”.

MEA responded to the report on 02 November 2024 stating that it was yet another example of Canada’s negative approach to ties with India. As on other occasions, imputations have been made about India without any evidence

The minister quoted a response from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson which condemned the action of the Canadian government saying, “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.” 

Singh informed that Canada hosts nearly 1.8 million Indo-Canadians and another 1 million comprising non-resident Indians including approximately 4,27,000 Indian students, one of the largest Indian diasporas abroad.

He added that the welfare, safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada is of utmost importance to the government of India.

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