Canada’s spy agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), has accused India of engaging in “hostile foreign interference and espionage activities” within Canada. This claim was made in the agency’s Public Report 2023, which was released this week, placing India alongside other major perpetrators such as China, Russia, and Iran.
The report highlighted several instances of espionage and foreign interference allegedly carried out by India’s intelligence services. One of the most significant events discussed was the killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2022. The Canadian government, in a statement made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in September, suggested there were “credible allegations” linking Indian agents to the murder. In his introductory remarks, CSIS Director David Vigneault reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Canadian citizens and defending Canadian sovereignty.
The report detailed the steps taken by Canada following these allegations. Director Vigneault and then National Security Intelligence Adviser Jody Thomas traveled to India to discuss the matter with their Indian counterparts. Vigneault stated that Canada and its allies require accountability from the Government of India for its alleged involvement in the murder of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil. Despite this, the report also noted that while cyber activities linked to India-aligned non-state actors had been observed, there was no clear indication that the Indian government itself was behind these incidents.
In an interesting twist, the report also pointed out a past warning from 2018 concerning pro-Khalistan activities in Canada. CSIS noted that a small number of Canada-based extremists supporting violent means to establish an independent state in India have continued their activities, albeit at a low level since its peak in the mid-1980s. The report suggests that this kind of activity poses a threat not only to India but also to Canada’s security, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation and ongoing vigilance to prevent violence on Canadian soil.
The latest CSIS report raises significant concerns about the stability of Canada-India relations and underscores the broader issue of foreign interference in Western countries. As Canada continues its investigation into these allegations, the international community will be watching closely for further developments.
