India dismisses Canadian report on election interference

In a statement, Ministry of External Affairs said: "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," he said.

The Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions has released its Final Report following a 15 month investigation. 

The Commission carried out its work in two phases. In the first phase, it examined and assessed foreign interference by foreign state and non-state actors and its potential repercussions on the integrity of the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. 

The Commission released an initial report on this in May 2024.

In the second phase of its work, the Commission examined and assessed the government’s capacity to detect, deter and counter foreign interference directly or indirectly targeting Canada’s democratic processes.

“India is the second most active country engaging in electoral foreign interference in Canada. Like the PRC (People’s Republic of China), India is a critical actor on the world stage,” the report said, further accusing Russia, Pakistan and Iran of interference as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue was quoted as saying in a statement: "I believe that our investigation has enabled a better public understanding of foreign interference in Canada, and how the government attempts to counter it."

Hogue said: "The investigation has helped to identify what the government has done well, what it has not done well, and how it can do better in the future.”

Worsening relations

India and Canada have been on the loggerheads for quite some time now on the issue of Khalistan and the separatist movement in India bankrolled from abroad.

The relationship deteriorated during the tenure of PM Justin Trudeau.

Canada is expected to witness a political change after Justin Trudeau, amid increasing political pressure, this month announced that he will not contest the upcoming general election in the country and may even leave politics altogether.

The announcement marks an unexpected conclusion to his political career, which began a decade ago with widespread acclaim for his youthful energy and vision.

“In terms of my own decisions, I will not be running in the upcoming election,” Trudeau said during a press conference, reported Global News of Canada on Wednesday.