MEA categorically denies claims, accuses Canada of meddling in India’s internal affairs and enabling illegal activities.
New Delhi, January 29: India has strongly rejected a Canadian report alleging Indian interference in Canada’s elections, labeling it as baseless and accusatory. In a firm statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) countered the allegations, asserting that Canada has consistently meddled in India’s internal matters, fostering an environment conducive to illegal migration and organized crime.
India’s Response
“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. This has also created an environment for illegal migration and organized criminal activities. We reject the report’s insinuations on India and expect that the support system enabling illegal migration will not be further countenanced,” the MEA stated.
Canadian Report Details
The Canadian Commission’s report alleges that India is the second most active country, after China, in interfering in Canada’s electoral processes. The 123-page document highlights expelling six Indian diplomats in October 2024, labeling them as “agents” involved in a campaign of violence.
“India is the second most active country engaging in electoral foreign interference in Canada,” the report stated. It also detailed Canada’s expulsion of Indian diplomats on October 14, 2024, claiming they were linked to a “campaign of violence.” In retaliation, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, condemning the targeting of its officials as “completely unacceptable.”
Hardeep Singh Nijjar Incident
The report also touches upon the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated Khalistani terrorist by India, who was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023. While the report accused India of spreading disinformation about Nijjar’s death, it also contradicted itself, stating that no conclusive link to a foreign state had been proven.
“Disinformation is also used as a retaliatory tactic to punish decisions that run contrary to a state’s interests,” the report alleged, referring to claims about Nijjar’s killing.
In November 2024, the MEA had dismissed reports linking India to Nijjar’s killing as baseless and part of a smear campaign, adding that such claims only further strain already tense diplomatic ties.
India’s Stance
The MEA reiterated its rejection of the Canadian report, emphasizing that baseless allegations and campaigns like these undermine the relationship between the two nations.
“These smear campaigns only further damage our already strained ties,” the statement concluded.
Background
The diplomatic strain between India and Canada has been escalating, with key flashpoints including accusations surrounding Nijjar’s killing and Canada’s alleged tolerance of Khalistani separatist activities. India has consistently called for action against such movements, citing national security concerns.
Conclusion
The diplomatic tensions between India and Canada show no signs of easing, with both nations accusing the other of interference and misconduct. The allegations in the Canadian report and India’s strong rebuttal mark another chapter in the strained bilateral relationship.