Fresh Diplomatic Setback: Canadian Intel Labels India a ‘Foreign Interference Threat’ Post G7 Outreach

Just hours after a diplomatic breakthrough at the G7 summit, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed to resume normal diplomatic engagement, Canada’s top intelligence agency, CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Service), released a report naming India as a perpetrator of foreign interference on Canadian soil.

According to the declassified annual report, India has engaged in covert operations aimed at influencing political figures, suppressing dissent among Sikh diaspora communities, and promoting narratives favorable to New Delhi, particularly in opposition to the Khalistan separatist movement. The agency noted a pattern of intimidation, including threats against Sikh activists and interference in political processes.

This development threatens to undo months of quiet diplomacy between the two nations, which had soured following Canadian allegations that Indian agents were linked to the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan figure based in British Columbia. India had strongly denied any involvement at the time, calling the accusations “baseless” and “politically motivated.”

The intelligence report, however, reinforces Canada’s long-standing concerns about growing interference from multiple countries, including China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan. India’s inclusion in that list represents a notable shift, especially as Ottawa attempts to manage both internal security threats and international partnerships.

The report also acknowledged the presence of Khalistani extremists in Canada who use the country as a base for promoting separatism and planning violent activities targeting India. This dual narrative reflects the complex and sensitive nature of Canada–India relations.

India has rejected the claims made by CSIS, arguing that the report is an attempt to malign the country’s global image and undermine bilateral ties. With both nations now navigating a renewed but fragile diplomatic channel, this intelligence release could pose a serious challenge to rebuilding mutual trust.