The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday rejected the findings of a report by Canada’s Foreign Interference Commission, which identified India as the “second most active country” engaging in electoral foreign interference in Canada. The MEA strongly dismissed the report’s insinuations and countered that it was Canada that had been persistently interfering in India’s internal affairs.
MEA Response to Allegations
In an official statement, the MEA stated, “We have seen a report about alleged activities on purported interference. It is in fact Canada which has been consistently interfering in India’s internal affairs.” The Ministry went on to criticise Canada’s role in fostering an environment that facilitates illegal migration and organized criminal activities, urging that such actions should no longer be tolerated. The statement made clear that India rejects any claims of interference and emphasised the expectation that Canada’s support for illegal migration would cease.
Canada’s Foreign Interference Commission Report
The Foreign Interference Commission’s latest report, released on Tuesday, took a closer look at foreign interference in Canada’s elections. While the initial report in May 2023 highlighted China as the “most persistent and sophisticated” threat, the final report placed India second in terms of electoral interference.
According to Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue, who led the inquiry, India conducts its foreign interference efforts through diplomatic officials in Canada and proxies. The report alleges that these agents may have been covertly supporting certain Canadian political candidates with illicit financial aid, potentially influencing elections in favour of pro-India figures. However, Hogue clarified that there is no definitive evidence suggesting that the politicians involved were aware of or benefitted from such interference.
Other Nations Named as Foreign Interference Threats
In addition to India, the report also named other countries, including Russia, Pakistan, and Iran, as threats of foreign interference in Canada’s elections. The allegations highlight growing concerns over the influence of foreign actors in Canadian politics and raise questions about the protection of the country’s democratic processes.
Deteriorating Relations Between India and Canada
Tensions between India and Canada have significantly escalated following a series of political developments, notably in September 2023, when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a statement in Parliament alleging that agents of the Indian government were involved in the killing of pro-Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has strongly rejected these accusations, calling them “absurd” and “politically motivated.”
These allegations have led to a severe deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two countries, with both India and Canada expelling each other’s diplomats, including high commissioners, in what has been described as a diplomatic standoff.
The growing diplomatic tension between India and Canada raises important questions about the future of their relationship. As both countries navigate these sensitive issues, it remains to be seen how they will address the allegations of foreign interference and work toward rebuilding trust. The MEA’s rejection of Canada’s report and its counterclaim of Canadian interference in India’s affairs indicate that this dispute is far from resolution.
This ongoing situation underscores the complexities of international relations and the challenges faced by countries in managing their diplomatic ties amidst allegations of foreign influence.
