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India Accused of Interfering in Canadian Democracy

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. ccused-of-interfering-in-canadian-democracy.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, February 26th 2026 at 16:11 GMT by The Globe and Mail
      Locales: INDIA, CANADA, UNITED KINGDOM

Ottawa, Canada - February 26th, 2026 - A senior Canadian government official has publicly confirmed that India is implicated in significant and concerning efforts to interfere in Canada's democratic processes. This revelation adds further strain to the already fractured relationship between the two nations, following last year's accusations linking Indian government agents to the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh leader residing in British Columbia.

The confirmation, delivered on background due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation, stems from a broadening inquiry into foreign interference in Canadian elections. Initially sparked by reports detailing alleged Chinese meddling, the investigation has now turned its focus to India, revealing a potentially coordinated effort to influence Canadian politics and public opinion.

According to the official, the Canadian government has been actively working to identify and neutralize these activities for some time. "Foreign interference is a serious threat to our democracy, and we are taking it extremely seriously," the source stated. While the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has long monitored foreign interference attempts, recent reporting in The Globe and Mail and other prominent news organizations brought the issue to the forefront, particularly regarding China's alleged actions. The latest findings indicate that China is not the sole actor seeking to exert influence.

The Globe and Mail has reported extensively on what it describes as a network of agents operating within Canada, allegedly connected to the Indian government. These agents are said to be actively working to promote the interests of the Indian government, shaping narratives and attempting to sway public opinion and, potentially, election outcomes. The specific methods employed remain largely confidential as the investigation continues, but sources suggest a multifaceted approach encompassing lobbying, disinformation campaigns, and potentially illicit financial contributions.

This latest development comes at a particularly delicate moment. Relations between Canada and India have been severely strained since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused the Indian government of involvement in the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, B.C. Nijjar, a vocal advocate for the creation of a separate Sikh state (Khalistan), was shot and killed in a parking lot, sparking outrage amongst Sikh communities in Canada and internationally. India has vehemently denied any involvement in his death, labeling Nijjar a terrorist. The Canadian government responded to the allegations by imposing sanctions on Indian officials and initiating a full investigation, further escalating tensions.

Experts in international relations suggest this escalation could have significant geopolitical ramifications. "We're seeing a worrying trend of states attempting to project power beyond their borders through clandestine operations," notes Dr. Eleanor Vance, a professor of political science at the University of Toronto specializing in international security. "This isn't simply about influencing an election; it's about undermining the sovereignty of another nation and eroding trust in democratic institutions."

The Canadian government has pledged to enhance its capabilities in detecting and countering foreign interference, emphasizing transparency and accountability. However, balancing the need for security with the protection of civil liberties remains a significant challenge. Critics argue that the government needs to be more proactive in sharing information with the public and strengthening regulations governing lobbying and foreign funding of political campaigns.

The official declined to provide specific details about the ongoing investigation into the alleged Indian interference, citing national security concerns. However, they reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to safeguarding Canada's democratic process and ensuring free and fair elections. The situation is further complicated by the large and vibrant Indian diaspora in Canada, which represents a significant voting bloc and a vital part of the country's multicultural fabric. Distinguishing legitimate engagement with the Indian community from covert influence operations is proving to be a complex task for intelligence agencies.

The Canadian government is expected to provide a more comprehensive public update on the investigation in the coming months, including recommendations for strengthening safeguards against foreign interference. International pressure is mounting on India to cooperate fully with the investigation into Nijjar's death and address the concerns raised regarding alleged interference in Canadian affairs. The future of Canada-India relations hinges on a swift and transparent resolution to these pressing issues.