Tony Blair's 2001 Delhi Bugging Scare
During Tony Blair's visit to India as Prime Minister in 2001, two listening devices were found in his New Delhi hotel suite. British security officers quickly removed the bugs before the discovery became public. To avoid diplomatic tensions, Blair discreetly moved to a junior delegation member's room and continued his visit without disruption.
Intelligence Rivalry Despite Friendship
Dr. Paul McGarr from King’s College London explains that while no perpetrator was officially identified, suspicion was directed toward India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). This incident, first mentioned in Alastair Campbell’s memoirs, was later confirmed by former British intelligence and security officials. It highlights how intelligence competition persists even among allied nations.
The Historical Context of Anglo-Indian Intelligence Cooperation
The bugging episode also reflects a deeper, older relationship between London and Delhi. Following India's independence, the two countries maintained a discreet alliance between their intelligence agencies, continuing their collaboration well beyond the end of the British Empire.
"No culprit was ever named, but a finger of suspicion was pointed at RAW." — Dr. Paul McGarr
"The episode was a reminder of how intelligence rivalry survives even between friendly governments." — Dr. Paul McGarr
Author’s summary: The 2001 bugging of Tony Blair’s hotel suite in Delhi reveals enduring intelligence rivalries alongside historic cooperation between British and Indian spy agencies.