India alarmed at Uncle Sam snooping on us via internet

India is planning to seek details from the US on reports it is the fifth-most tracked country by American intelligence agencies, even as the government said it was "concerned" over and "surprised" by the act.

"Data relating to private communications of Indian citizens may have been harvested. We are concerned and surprised about it. Between India and the US, we have a cyber security dialogue. We feel this is the appropriate forum to discuss such issues. We intend to seek information and details during the consultation between the interlocutors from both sides on this," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said here today.

If India discovers its laws relating to private information of ordinary citizens have been violated, then it will be "unacceptable", he added. "We will find it unacceptable if Indian laws relating to privacy of information of ordinary Indian citizens have been violated. Surely we will, frankly, find it unacceptable. This is an evolving situation, so let's not jump to conclusions."

The cyber security dialogue between India and the US is coordinated by the National Security Councils in both countries.

Italy minister met Khurshid
Regarding the trial of the two Italian marines over alleged killing of two Indian fishermen and the visit of Italy Deputy Foreign Minister Staffan de Mistura, the spokesperson said he had met External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and had urged a speedy trial.

Akbaruddin also said the minister had told Khurshid of the Italian government's view on the matter.