Tony Blair's 2001 Delhi Bugging Scare and the Anglo-Indian Spy Alliance
During Tony Blair's 2001 visit to India as Prime Minister, two listening devices were found in his New Delhi hotel suite. British security officers quickly searched the room and removed the bugs before the incident became public. To avoid diplomatic tension, Blair switched to a junior delegate's room and continued his visit as planned.
“A finger of suspicion was pointed at RAW,” says Dr Paul McGarr of King’s College London, referring to India’s intelligence agency.
Dr Paul McGarr notes that the bugging episode, initially mentioned in Alastair Campbell’s memoirs, was later confirmed by former British intelligence and security officials. The incident highlights how intelligence rivalries continue even among friendly governments.
However, this event also recalled a historical relationship between Britain and India. Half a century earlier, after India’s independence, London and Delhi maintained quiet agreements linking their intelligence services despite the end of the British Empire.
Intelligence Rivalry Amid Cooperation
- Two listening devices discovered in Blair’s hotel suite during the 2001 visit.
- British security swiftly removed bugs to prevent diplomatic fallout.
- Suspicions centered on India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
- Incident underscores ongoing intelligence competition between allied nations.
- Reflects a complex history of secret cooperation post-independence.
“The episode was a reminder of how intelligence rivalry survives even between friendly governments,” says Dr Paul McGarr.
This episode serves as a vivid example of how diplomatic relations between countries often coexist with both rivalry and cooperation in intelligence matters.
Author’s summary: The 2001 bugging of Tony Blair’s hotel suite in Delhi reveals enduring intelligence rivalry amid a deeper, historic Anglo-Indian spy alliance formed after India’s independence.