Canada’s top spy agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), has accused both India and Pakistan of attempting to meddle in the country’s recent general elections. These allegations come amidst a federal commission of inquiry investigating foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 national votes, with India and Pakistan identified as key actors in parallel influence operations within Canada.
According to CSIS reports, India allegedly engaged in covert activities aimed at aligning Canada’s positions with Indian interests, particularly regarding the Khalistani separatist movement. The alleged tactics included the clandestine provision of financial support to Canadian politicians supportive of India’s agenda, targeting specific electoral districts with significant Indo-Canadian populations.
India swiftly dismissed these allegations as baseless, emphasizing Canada’s interference in its internal affairs. Tensions between the two countries have been exacerbated by previous disputes, such as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s accusation of Indian government involvement in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader near Vancouver.
Meanwhile, Pakistan was accused of limited interference, primarily to promote its own political, security, and economic interests, as well as to counter India’s global influence. Unlike with India, the allegations against Pakistan are not expected to significantly impact Canada-Pakistan relations.
The CSIS also highlighted China’s involvement in Canadian elections, indicating that Beijing clandestinely interfered in both the 2019 and 2021 elections. This revelation adds to existing tensions between Canada and China, exacerbated by issues such as the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in 2018.
These allegations underscore the need for Canada to enhance coordination among key agencies to counter foreign interference effectively. Prime Minister Trudeau is expected to testify as part of the inquiry, reaffirming Canada’s commitment to safeguarding its democratic processes against external manipulation.