India is actively seeking to influence Canadian politics across all levels of government, according to a new report by the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP).
Released on June 5, 2024, the report describes India as the second biggest foreign threat to Canadian democracy after China. It alleges that India is interfering in Canadian democratic processes, including targeting politicians, ethnic media, and Indo-Canadian communities.
The report highlights India’s use of proxies to further its interests, including transferring funds to politicians for political favors. It also details instances of “media manipulation” by India to discredit political opponents and influence public opinion.
Stephanie Carvin, a national security expert, noted that this report starkly outlines India’s interference, marking a significant revelation about the extent of its activities in Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau previously accused India of involvement in the killing of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, further straining Canada-India relations. The NSICOP report emphasizes that India’s interference extends beyond the Khalistan movement, impacting broader Canadian democratic institutions.