The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has firmly denied a Canadian intelligence report alleging India’s involvement in Canada's elections. Although the report stated that "foreign interference" did not affect the election results, it mentioned that such activities had damaged public trust in the electoral system. 

Refuting the claims, the MEA countered that Canada has been persistently interfering in India's internal affairs. “We have taken note of a report concerning alleged activities linked to purported interference. However, it is, in fact, Canada that has been repeatedly involved in India’s internal matters,” an MEA statement read. The government also expressed worry about Canada's support of organised crime and illegal immigration.

“We reject the insinuations made against India and expect that the mechanisms enabling illegal migration will not be further tolerated,” the statement added. 

The disputed report claims that, behind China, India is the "second most active" foreign country meddling in Canadian elections. The report recognised India’s importance on the global stage and its strong historical ties with Canada. However, it also pointed out ongoing challenges in their diplomatic relationship, especially India’s concern that Canada is not doing enough to address its national security issues related to Khalistani separatism.

Additionally, the document claimed that similar to China, India engages in foreign interference in Canada using diplomatic channels and proxy agents. Intelligence sources mentioned in the report suggested that some of these proxy figures may have secretly provided illegal financial support to Canadian politicians. This was allegedly done either to influence elections in favour of pro-India candidates or to gain leverage over those already in office. 

"There is no definitive intelligence to suggest that the elected officials or candidates involved were aware of these interference attempts, nor is there confirmation that such attempts were successful," the report added.  This report is being released just weeks before the ruling Liberal Party chooses a new leader to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who recently announced his resignation.

Polls suggest that the opposition Conservative Party, which has criticised Trudeau’s handling of foreign interference, is likely to win the next federal election. The election must be held by October 20 but could take place as early as spring. India-Canada relations took a sharp downturn after Trudeau accused India in 2023 of being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

In Surrey, British Columbia, Trudeau said that Canadian security forces had obtained solid proof that Nijjar's killing was carried out by "agents of the Indian government" outside a gurdwara. "Canadian security agencies have been actively investigating credible allegations of a possible connection between agents of the Government of India and the killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar," he said in a statement to the House of Commons.

India has strongly rejected these allegations, calling them "baseless" and asking for solid proof. At the same time, the Indian government has accused Canada of supporting Khalistani groups for political benefits. This dispute has increased tensions between the two countries, resulting in both expelling each other's diplomats.