Canada’s national intelligence agency has identified India, along with China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan, as key actors involved in foreign interference and espionage activities within Canada.
The findings were disclosed in the agency`s latest annual report submitted to the Canadian Parliament on Wednesday.
According to the report, Indian officials and their Canada-based proxy agents have been engaged in activities aimed at influencing Canadian society and politicians.
These operations are considered foreign interference when they involve deception, secrecy, or intimidation.
The primary motive behind India’s alleged efforts is reportedly linked to the Khalistan separatist movement.
The report states that the Indian government views Khalistan supporters residing in Canada as a significant security threat and has been seeking to pressure Canada to suppress their activities.
Canadian intelligence acknowledged that some Khalistan-linked groups in Canada advocate extremist ideologies and aim to establish an independent state in India’s Punjab region through violent means.
A small but determined faction is reportedly using Canadian soil for promoting violence, fundraising, and planning attacks inside India.
The agency noted that both real and perceived threats of Khalistani extremism are driving India’s intensified foreign influence efforts in Canada.
In September 2023, Canada’s then-prime minister publicly alleged that Indian intelligence was involved in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The claim severely strained diplomatic relations between the two nations, though India firmly denied the allegations.
Recently, diplomatic engagement between India and Canada has resumed. Both countries have agreed to appoint high commissioners in each other’s capitals, signaling a gradual restoration of diplomatic ties.
Earlier this year, a Canadian inquiry also alleged that India covertly funded politicians and spread misinformation to sway Canada`s national elections, an accusation India categorically rejected, countering that Canada frequently interferes in India’s internal matters.
Canadian intelligence continues to warn of potential election interference by multiple foreign actors, including India, in the upcoming general elections.
