According to documents disclosed by Canada’s intelligence service, both the Indian and Pakistani governments made attempts to meddle in Canada’s federal elections during the years 2019 and 2021. The revelation came from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and was part of evidence presented at a federal inquiry investigating foreign interference in the nation’s electoral and democratic processes.
The inquiry is delving into alleged interferences by multiple countries, including China, India, Russia, among others, in the Canadian federal elections of 2019 and 2021. It was disclosed that in 2021, the Indian government, possibly through proxy agents in Canada, engaged in covert operations with the intention of influencing the election outcome. Similarly, in 2019, Pakistani officials based in Canada were reported to have tried to covertly sway Canadian federal politics in favor of Pakistan’s interests.
CSIS highlighted the nuanced nature of intelligence, which might not always equate to confirmed facts, necessitating further investigation. The documents underscored Pakistan’s role as a “limited foreign interference actor,” with activities aimed at promoting its political and economic stability while countering India’s global influence.
Regarding India, the interference was particularly targeted at certain electoral districts perceived to have voters sympathetic to the Khalistani movement or pro-Pakistan stances. The Khalistan movement advocates for an independent Sikh state in Punjab, India, and has been a point of contention between India and its diaspora.
The CSIS documents further mentioned that a government of India “proxy agent” might have tried to illicitly support pro-Indian candidates, raising concerns about the transparency and integrity of the electoral process. The identity of the specific ridings or candidates affected by these alleged interferences was not disclosed in the CSIS summary.
The inquiry into foreign interference has primarily focused on China’s role thus far, but the recent documents bring to light the involvement of other nations like India and Pakistan. This development underscores the complexity of foreign interference in Canada’s democratic processes and the challenges faced by the nation in safeguarding its electoral integrity.