Canadian inquiry panel’s final report accuses India of foreign interference
Ottawa: A Canadian inquiry commission has accused India of attempting to influence Canada’s electoral processes, alleging that India was one of the most active foreign actors involved in interference, second only to China.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the commission’s final report, released on Tuesday, said India has been engaging in clandestine financial support for certain Canadian politicians and using disinformation to manipulate public opinion.
The inquiry, headed by Marie-Josée Hogue, a judge at the Quebec Court of Appeal, investigated foreign interference in Canada’s democratic institutions. The report states that India has conducted its interference efforts through diplomatic channels and proxies, with the aim of supporting pro-India political candidates and shaping the political landscape in Canada.
The commission also found that India has been using disinformation tactics to target Canadian diaspora communities, amplify state narratives, and sow discord within the country. The report suggests that such efforts could increase in the future as foreign interference becomes a more prominent tactic in global politics.
The findings come as Canada prepares for federal elections later this year, amid ongoing diplomatic tensions with India. The strained relations followed the 2023 murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver, with Canadian authorities alleging Indian government involvement. Additionally, Canada’s accusations of India’s influence on democratic processes have added to the strain.
The inquiry’s final report emphasized that while foreign interference remains a significant concern, there was no evidence of “traitors” within Canada’s parliament colluding with foreign governments. The report also stated that while foreign meddling had a minimal impact on recent elections, disinformation was identified as a serious and growing threat to Canada’s democracy.
The inquiry’s final report further warned of the dangers posed by disinformation, with Commissioner Hogue stating, “Information manipulation, whether foreign or not, poses the single biggest risk to our democracy.”
The inquiry, which began in September 2023, aimed to investigate the roles of various foreign actors—including India—in interfering with Canada’s electoral processes. It comes at a pivotal moment as Canada approaches a new election cycle, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation adding further uncertainty to the political landscape.
