Tensions between Canada and India have escalated following new allegations by Canada accusing India and Pakistan of meddling in its general elections. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) released an unclassified summary stating that both countries engaged in covert activities during the 2019 and 2021 Canadian elections to sway electoral outcomes in favor of their interests.
According to the CSIS report, India targeted electoral districts with significant populations of Indian-origin voters sympathetic to Khalistani movements in the 2021 elections. Meanwhile, Pakistan is alleged to have conducted operations in 2019 to manipulate political dynamics in Canada to bolster Pakistani geopolitical interests.
In response to these accusations, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has categorically rejected the claims, labeling them as “baseless” and asserting that it is, in fact, Canada that has been interfering in India’s internal affairs. The MEA’s spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, emphasized that it is not India’s policy to disrupt the democratic processes of other nations and accused Canada of the reverse—meddling in India’s domestic issues.
This ongoing diplomatic strain was initially triggered by Canada’s accusations against India concerning the assassination of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil, which India has also denied. The back-and-forth between the two countries shows no signs of abating, with each nation standing firm on their respective positions.
Pakistan has yet to officially respond to the allegations made by the Canadian intelligence service. As the situation develops, this international dispute continues to cast a shadow over Canada-India relations, complicating diplomatic interactions and international cooperation between the countries.
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