India has strongly rejected a Canadian report alleging that the Indian government interfered in Canada’s elections, calling the accusations baseless and misleading. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) countered the claims, asserting that it is Canada that has been consistently interfering in India’s internal matters.
The MEA issued a statement dismissing the report’s insinuations and highlighting concerns over Canada’s role in facilitating illegal migration and organized criminal activities.
“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 statement read.
The report, published by the Canadian Commission, alleged that India is the second most active country, after China, in interfering in Canada’s electoral process.
“India is the second most active country engaging in electoral foreign interference in Canada. Like the PRC, India is a critical actor on the world stage. Canada and India have worked together for decades, but there are challenges in the relationship. Many of these are longstanding and inform India’s foreign interference activities,” the report stated.
The 123-page report also referred to the diplomatic row in October 2024, when Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, accusing them of being involved in an Indian government-led “campaign of violence.”
India retaliated by expelling six Canadian diplomats, summoning Canada’s Charge d’Affaires Stewart Wheeler, and condemning what it called the “baseless targeting” of Indian diplomats.
“In October 2024, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats and consular officials in reaction to a targeted campaign against Canadian citizens by agents linked to the Government of India,” the report alleged.
The latest controversy further deepens the diplomatic tensions between the two nations, which have faced repeated strains over issues related to Khalistani extremism, trade negotiations, and diplomatic expulsions.
With both countries accusing each other of interference, the relationship between India and Canada appears to be at a critical juncture, with no immediate resolution in sight.