Amid intensifying tensions, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service in its report has named India as a ‘foreign’ interference threat. The report also alleged that China sought to influence its last two federal elections as well.
This is the latest development after series of allegations and counter-allegations that erupted last year following death of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
"The Foreign Interference activities of the People’s Republic of China are significant, pervasive, and directed against all levels of government and civil society across the country," the report stated.
On the "foreign interference of India", the report said that the problem could worsen and "we must do more to protect Canada’s robust democratic institutions and processes."
Apart from China, India was the only nation mentioned in the report.
According to Global News, which published the October 2022 report, foreign interference is different from traditional diplomacy since it used secrecy and deception to influence public narratives.
Referring to China, the report stated that "The PRC leverages a vast range of tools in Canada, including the United Front Work Department, its diplomatic corps, and non-government assets such as community groups and trusted contacts."
After the intelligence report got published, Trudeau had ordered an investigation.
However, India is yet to respond on the latest developments.
Tensions between India and Canada escalated last year after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being involved in the murder of Nijjar in Canada.
Though the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) termed Trudeau's allegations "baseless, absurd and motivated", things got worse on the diplomatic front. Canada had expelled an Indian diplomat posted in Ottawa. India had also asked Canada to reduce its number of diplomats in India as well.