India Rejects Canada’s Allegation Against Amit Shah as “Absurd and Baseless”

In a move likely to intensify diplomatic tensions, India has categorically rejected recent allegations from Canada linking Union Home Minister Amit Shah to activities targeting pro-Khalistan individuals on Canadian soil. Describing the claims as “absurd and baseless,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs warned that such “irresponsible” statements could have serious repercussions on the already strained bilateral relationship.

The diplomatic standoff escalated when the Indian government summoned a representative from the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi on Friday, lodging a formal protest against the allegations. Canadian officials reportedly shared that Indian consular staff in Canada have been under surveillance, an act India denounces as a “flagrant violation of diplomatic conventions.”

India Responds with Sharp Rebuttal

The recent tensions trace back to remarks by Canadian Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison, who testified before the Canadian Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security. Morrison allegedly claimed that Home Minister Amit Shah was linked to criminal activities aimed at intimidating Khalistani activists in Canada. India’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, dismissed these comments as unfounded, accusing Canadian officials of promoting a narrative to harm India’s international reputation.

“High-ranking Canadian officials appear to be engaged in a deliberate effort to discredit India on the world stage,” said Jaiswal. “These actions will have serious consequences for bilateral ties.” He stressed that India remains unconvinced of Canada’s allegations, which he noted lack any tangible evidence.

Surveillance of Indian Diplomats in Canada Raises Alarm

India has also expressed concerns over the Canadian government’s surveillance of its diplomats. Jaiswal confirmed that Indian consular officials in Canada were informed they were under continuous audio and video surveillance, with their communications allegedly intercepted by Canadian authorities. “This constitutes a clear breach of diplomatic norms,” Jaiswal stated. “Our diplomats are facing intimidation and harassment, which only exacerbates the tensions.”

Ongoing Strain in India-Canada Relations

India-Canada relations have been turbulent since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s September 2023 assertion that Indian government agents were involved in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, a prominent advocate for Khalistani separatism, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, sparking a diplomatic row. India has repeatedly denied any involvement, yet Canada has continued to press for investigations, citing Indian officials as persons of interest.

In response to Trudeau’s accusations, India expelled six Canadian diplomats from New Delhi, including the Deputy High Commissioner, and has since scaled back its diplomatic presence in Canada. Canadian authorities, for their part, have called back 41 diplomats from India and are reportedly limiting visa services for Indian nationals. This visa restriction has caused significant disruption, particularly among the Indian diaspora, which includes students, temporary workers, and professionals in Canada.

Growing Disappointment Among the Indian Diaspora

The fallout from this diplomatic row has impacted the broader Indian community in Canada, with organizations expressing frustration over the Canadian government’s stance.

The cancellation of this year’s Diwali celebrations at the Canadian Parliament, which had been a longstanding tradition, has left the Indian community feeling alienated. Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre’s decision to withdraw from hosting the event has been seen as a reflection of the rising intolerance and extremism in Canada, further souring the atmosphere for Indo-Canadian relations.

Canadian Report Identifies India as an “Adversary”

The latest developments also include Canada’s National Cyber Threat Assessment report for 2025-2026, which lists India as an “adversary” for the first time. This designation, Jaiswal argued, is yet another attempt by Canadian authorities to portray India negatively. He criticized Canada’s National Cyber Security Center for making such claims without substantiating them with credible evidence.

“As on other occasions, these allegations are made without any proof,” Jaiswal added. “It’s part of a broader Canadian strategy to manipulate international opinion against India.”

Tensions Continue Over Historical and Political Differences

Further complicating matters, Canadian New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh recently initiated a move to have the violence against Sikhs in 1984 recognized as “genocide” in Canadian Parliament. India, however, sees this as part of a long-standing agenda by certain Canadian politicians to stoke extremism and anti-India sentiment. Jaiswal reiterated India’s request that Canada take immediate action to curb anti-India activities on its soil, warning that continued inaction could destabilize their ties further.

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