Canada’s Democracy Under Indian Influence – OpEd

In a world where democracies are grappling with the growing threat of foreign interference, Canada’s recently released final Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference (PIFI) report delivers a sobering reality: India, a strategic partner and the world’s largest democracy, has been actively engaged in political meddling and transnational repression within Canada.

The report, the second and concluding volume of the PIFI inquiry, primarily focuses on the extent to which Canada’s federal departments have been compromised in their ability to detect and counter foreign interference. But among its most alarming revelations is the confirmation that India has systematically sought to influence Canadian political processes, with a particular focus on silencing Sikh activists and suppressing the pro-Khalistan movement.

The inquiry names India as a state actor engaging in direct and community-level interference. This includes not just clandestine lobbying efforts and financial contributions to political figures, but also more coercive measures aimed at individuals and diaspora groups advocating for an independent Khalistan. The findings highlight a disturbing pattern of intimidation, surveillance, and targeted repression against Sikh activists living on Canadian soil—actions that extend beyond diplomatic maneuvering and into the realm of state-orchestrated coercion.

This revelation should come as no surprise. For years, reports have surfaced regarding India’s use of intelligence networks to monitor and disrupt pro-Khalistan movements abroad. The assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and Sikh activist, last June—an act that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly linked to Indian agents—was a flashpoint that brought these concerns to the forefront. Now, the PIFI report cements what many have long suspected: India’s actions in Canada go far beyond traditional diplomacy and veer into outright interference.

Canada, like many Western democracies, has been increasingly vigilant about foreign interference, particularly from China and Russia. However, India’s role presents a unique challenge. As an Indo-Pacific ally and a key economic partner, Canada has historically treaded carefully in its criticism of New Delhi. But this latest report makes clear that Ottawa cannot afford to turn a blind eye.

The integrity of Canada’s electoral process is at stake. The interference outlined in the report suggests attempts to manipulate the political landscape by favoring candidates deemed sympathetic to India’s interests while marginalizing those advocating for Sikh rights. This not only undermines Canadian democracy but also threatens the fundamental principle of political self-determination.

For Canada, confronting India’s interference requires more than just diplomatic overtures. The federal government must strengthen its counter-interference measures, ensuring that foreign entities cannot covertly influence elections or engage in transnational repression on Canadian soil. This includes bolstering intelligence operations, tightening campaign finance laws, and holding foreign actors accountable through targeted sanctions and public disclosure of interference activities.

Moreover, Canada’s Sikh community deserves unequivocal protection. The right to political advocacy—no matter how controversial—is fundamental in a free democracy. Allowing a foreign power to suppress that right would set a dangerous precedent.

As Canada navigates this complex diplomatic terrain, one fact remains clear: the democratic process cannot be for sale, nor can it be subverted by external forces. The final PIFI report is not just an indictment of India’s actions—it is a call to action for Canada to safeguard its democracy from all forms of foreign coercion, no matter the source.

–The op-ed was published in Eurasia Review on Sunday, March 2, 2025

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