Recent revelations from a prominent Canadian parliamentary committee have positioned India as the “second most significant foreign threat” to Canada’s democratic integrity, following China. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to this development by reiterating his government’s deep concern over foreign interference, as reported by the Hindustan Times.
Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP), comprising members with top security clearances from both the House of Commons and the Senate, unveiled the report amidst strained relations between India and Canada. This unveiling coincides with escalated tensions between the two nations, exacerbated by Trudeau’s prior accusations of Indian government involvement in the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. New Delhi promptly dismissed these allegations as unfounded, according to the report.
The report contends that “India has become the second-most significant foreign interference threat to Canada’s democratic institutions and processes, displacing Russia.” It suggests that India’s foreign interference efforts have expanded beyond countering pro-Khalistan elements in Canada to include intervention in Canadian democratic systems and institutions. These efforts allegedly target Canadian politicians, ethnic media, and the Indo-Canadian ethnocultural communities. The report, spanning 84 pages, makes 44 references to India.
Indian authorities have yet to respond to these allegations. Previously, New Delhi has refuted similar claims, accusing Canadian officials of meddling in Indian affairs and harboring extremist elements associated with the Khalistani movement.
According to the NSICOP report, certain Canadian Members of Parliament may have been influenced by foreign powers, engaging in inappropriate communication with foreign missions, attempting to improperly influence colleagues, and sharing confidential information with foreign diplomats. Additionally, some MPs may have received financial backing from foreign entities or their representatives.
The report identifies China as the primary actor in foreign interference, describing the nation as the “most prolific” in such activities. China is alleged to employ comprehensive strategies to target and leverage various facets of Canada’s democratic processes and institutions to advance its strategic interests, particularly in bolstering the legitimacy and stability of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
