In a recent revelation, Canada’s top spy agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), has brought to light allegations of election interference by India and Pakistan in the country’s last two general elections. This disclosure comes as part of a federal commission of inquiry, aimed at investigating foreign interference in Canada’s electoral processes, which includes scrutiny of activities by nations such as China and Russia.
The CSIS has uncovered evidence suggesting that both India and Pakistan have attempted to influence Canada’s electoral landscape through covert operations targeting specific electoral districts and politicians. India’s purported involvement revolves around clandestine activities aimed at swaying Canada’s policies in alignment with Indian interests, particularly regarding issues related to the Sikh separatist movement known as Khalistan. On the other hand, Pakistan is accused of covertly attempting to shape federal politics to advance its own strategic objectives.
When initial reports surfaced in February suggesting Canada’s probe into potential Indian electoral interference, New Delhi swiftly responded, categorizing the allegations as “baseless.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs asserted that the Government of India maintains a firm stance against interfering in the democratic processes of other nations. Instead, they emphasized that it is Canada that has been intruding into India’s internal affairs, a concern repeatedly raised with Canadian authorities. The ministry urged Canada to take effective measures to address India’s core concerns in this regard.
India-Canada relations had already soured the previous year following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s accusations against the Indian government regarding the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader, near Vancouver in June.
The recent allegations are expected to exacerbate tensions between the two nations, particularly as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for upcoming national elections that could potentially secure his third term in office. According to Reeta Tremblay, a political scientist and emeritus professor at the University of Victoria, strained relations between India and Canada are likely to persist, given the significance of issues such as territorial integrity and the Khalistan separatist movement to India.
India’s Foreign Minister, S Jaishankar, underscored the importance of these issues, noting that while strained ties were not in the interest of either Ottawa or New Delhi, India considers territorial integrity and the issue of Khalistan separatism as fundamental concerns. Jaishankar emphasized that it is Canada’s actions that are seen as interfering in India’s domestic politics, rather than the other way around.
With a significant population of 1.4 million people of Indian ethnic or cultural origin based on the 2021 census, Canada’s relationship with India holds considerable importance and is closely watched by observers on both sides.
The allegations put forward by the CSIS mark a significant development in Canada’s foreign relations, particularly with respect to its interactions with India and Pakistan. While the accusations have been met with denial and dismissal by both countries, the revelations underscore the importance of safeguarding Canada’s democratic processes from external influences.
This disclosure comes against a backdrop of strained diplomatic ties between Canada and the accused nations, adding complexity to an already delicate geopolitical landscape. It also raises broader questions about the prevalence of foreign interference in democratic systems worldwide, prompting calls for increased vigilance and robust measures to protect electoral integrity.
As Canada grapples with these revelations, it underscores the need for enhanced coordination among relevant agencies and stakeholders to address emerging threats to its democratic institutions. Furthermore, it highlights the imperative for sustained efforts to foster transparency, accountability, and resilience in the face of evolving challenges to electoral security.
SOURCE: AL JAZEERA