Canada Flags India For Interference; India Denies, Points To Khalistani Elements

India-West News Desk

NEW DELHI -Terming them “baseless imputations”, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on May 7 rejected allegations by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) linking India to foreign interference activities in Canada.

In its latest public report, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service stated that foreign interference in Canadian politics remained “aggressive and sophisticated”. The report identified China, Russia, Iran and Pakistan as the principal actors using tactics aimed at undermining institutions, influencing public discourse and eroding trust in democratic processes.

It noted specifically, “Historically, India has cultivated covert relationships with Canadian politicians, journalists, and members of the Indo-Canadian community, to exert its influence and advance its interests. This has included transnational repression (TNR) activities, such as surveillance and other coercive tactics meant to suppress criticism of the Government of India and create fear in the community. Given the presence in Canada of supporters of the Khalistan separatist movement, Canada must remain vigilant regarding potential TNR activities. India acts to counter perceived threats to its domestic stability, including Khalistan separatism. In Canada, advocacy for Khalistan separatism is lawful political activity.”

The Indian media has thus far been focusing on the aspect of the report which also noted the continued involvement of Canada-based Khalistani extremists in violent extremist activities remained a national security concern.

Jaiswal said India’s position on the matter had remained “clear and consistent” and stressed that such concerns should be addressed through established mechanisms rather than politicized public narratives.

“India’s position on this particular issue has been clear and consistent and we have spoken about it on several occasions in the past as well. We categorically reject such baseless imputations. India is a democracy that adheres to international norms and respects the sovereignty of other nations. It is not our policy to interfere in issues of other countries. We believe that any concerns of this nature should be addressed through established mechanisms rather than through politicized or public narratives,” Jaiswal said.

Jaiswal said New Delhi had repeatedly raised concerns about extremist and separatist groups operating from Canadian soil.

“India has repeatedly urged the Canadian authorities to take effective action against anti-India elements operating from its soil. This includes addressing the issue of glorification of violence, threats against diplomats and leaders, vandalism of places of worship and attempts to promote secessionism through so-called referendums,” Jaiswal added. (IANS)