India Denies Allegations Of Interference In Canada's Elections, Calls It 'Baseless'

Strong response has been issued by India in reaction to the allegations made by the Canadian spy agency CSIS regarding interference in the country's elections, with the accusations being termed "baseless." A statement was issued by the ministry of external affairs rejecting the allegations made by Canada, and alleging hypocrisy by Ottawa.

The report by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) was addressed by external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, who referred to the allegations as "baseless," emphasizing that the core issue is Ottawa's interference in New Delhi's affairs in the past, as reported by Hindustan Times.

India Denies Allegations By Canada

During a press briefing, it was stated by Jaiswal that, "Media reports about the Canadian commission enquiring into ... have been seen by us. All such baseless allegations of Indian interference in Canadian elections are strongly rejected by us."

"It is not the policy of the government of India to interfere in the democratic processes of other countries. In fact, quite the opposite, it is Canada which has been interfering in our internal affairs," he added.

CSIS Alleges Foreign Election Interference - Here's what it said

A document by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, which is being examined by the Federal Commission of Inquiry, discusses the potential interference in Canada's elections by foreign nations such as India, Pakistan, China, and Russia in 2019 and 2021.

In 2021, it was alleged by the CSIS that the government of India had "intent to interfere and likely conducted clandestine activities," including the use of an Indian government proxy agent in Canada.

The Canadian spy agency further alleged that in 2021, the Indian government engaged in foreign interference activities focused on a small number of electoral districts, reported Hindustan Times.

According to the CSIS document, the Indian government targeted these electoral districts due to a perception that "a portion of Indo-Canadian voters were sympathetic to the Khalistani movement or pro-Pakistan political stances."

The CSIS document stated that the agency has gathered "a body of intelligence" indicating that a government of India proxy agent may have attempted to interfere in democratic processes by providing illegal financial support to pro-Indian candidates.

However, CSIS director David Vigneault informed the inquiry that the allegations mentioned in the report should not be considered facts and require further investigation. The inquiry noted that the information in the report appears to be uncorroborated, single-sourced, or incomplete.