‘Totally unacceptable’: India says its dipolmats put under surveillance in Canada

India on Nov 7 said that Indian diplomats in Canada are being placed under surveillance, calling it as “totally unacceptable."

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the diplomats in Canada over the past year have increasingly faced “threats, intimidation, and harassment."

Addressing reporters Jaiswal said, "Over the last year, and even longer, we have seen a disturbing trend of threats, intimidation, and harassment against Indian diplomats. These threats have intensified, with our diplomats being placed under surveillance, which is completely unacceptable."

“We had asked for security to be provided for our diplomats where the consular camp was to be held and those have not been provided by the Canadian side prompting the cancellation of the camps. the threats have increased," he added.

He said EAM Jaishankar also has spoken about it. “India had also taken up the matter very strongly with the Canadian side on it.” he added.

He also strongly condemned the recent attack on a Hindu temple in Canada’s Brampton and called on the Justin Trudeau-led government to uphold the rule of law and ensure those responsible for the violence are brought to justice.

“We condemn the attack on the temple in Brampton, and we have called upon the Canadian government to hold the rule of law and to bring to justice the people who purported the violence. We hope that the Canadian government will take due action," he said.

India’s latest statements come amid strained relations between the two nations. The growing security concerns for Indian diplomats and the recent temple attack have further intensified tensions, bringing bilateral ties to an all-time low.

Jaiswal also expressed concern over recent incidents of violence against the Hindu community in Chittagong, Bangladesh.

“We have observed that there have been attacks on the Hindu community in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Their properties have been looted, their business establishments have been looted. These happened following incendiary posts on social media targeting Hindu religious organizations.” he said.

“It is understood that there are extremist elements who are behind such posts and such illegal criminal activities. This is bound to create further tensions in the community," Jaiswal added.