India has strongly protested recent allegations made by senior members of the Canadian government, which claim that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is behind efforts to target Khalistan separatists residing in Canada. In a formal diplomatic communication, India labeled these claims as “absurd and baseless,” emphasizing that such assertions threaten to further strain already fragile bilateral relations.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned a representative from the Canadian High Commission to express its grievances. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal articulated India’s position, stating that the government deems these allegations unfounded and reflective of a deliberate strategy by Canadian officials to tarnish India’s image on the international stage. Jaiswal criticized the Canadian government for leaking sensitive information to the media, which he argued is part of a broader political agenda that undermines diplomatic norms.
Compounding the diplomatic tensions, India raised concerns over the surveillance of its consular officials by the Canadian government. Reports indicated that Indian diplomats have been subjected to both audio and video monitoring, which India views as a significant breach of diplomatic conventions. Jaiswal underscored that such actions not only violate established norms but also contribute to an environment of intimidation for Indian personnel operating in Canada.
The escalation in tensions follows a series of events, notably Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s assertion regarding potential Indian government involvement in the assassination of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This claim, made in September 2023, prompted India to reject the allegations outright, describing them as politically motivated. The subsequent diplomatic fallout included the expulsion of diplomats from both nations, exacerbating the situation.
Additionally, during a recent session, Canadian officials confirmed to Parliament that they had shared information with the media about Amit Shah’s alleged involvement in targeting Khalistani groups. David Morrison, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, admitted to confirming Shah’s name to journalists, which India argues further exemplifies the Canadian government’s irresponsible behavior in managing international relations.
In response to the ongoing tensions, Jaiswal expressed deep concern over the safety of Indian students and temporary workers in Canada, given the rising hostilities. He reaffirmed that India is closely monitoring the situation, ensuring that the well-being of its citizens remains a priority amid the diplomatic strain.
Further complicating matters, a recent Canadian cybersecurity report has categorized India as an adversary, alongside nations like China and Russia. This labeling, found in the National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026, marks a notable shift in Canada’s stance towards India and is perceived as part of a broader strategy to shape global perceptions against the country.
The cumulative effect of these incidents signals a potentially tumultuous future for India-Canada relations. Jaiswal warned that the continued irresponsibility displayed by the Canadian government could lead to serious repercussions for bilateral ties, indicating that the diplomatic landscape is precarious and may require urgent attention to prevent further deterioration.