Canada ‘must remain vigilant’ about Indian foreign interference, CSIS report cautions

India’s government remains a foreign interference concern for Canada, according to a recent report released by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). The report highlighted India as a potential source of foreign interference activities, along with Russia, China, and Iran. The CSIS report emphasized the need for vigilance against continued interference by the Government of India, not only within ethnic, religious, and cultural communities but also within Canada’s political system.

This warning comes just a day after Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to reinstate their high commissioners and explore renewed visa services for each other’s citizens and businesses. The two countries had expelled each other’s high commissioners last fall following accusations by the RCMP that the Indian government was involved in a network of violence in Canada, including homicides and extortion.

One of the most significant incidents cited in the report was the killing of Canadian Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in 2023. The RCMP alleged that Indian agents were involved in Nijjar’s murder, signaling an escalation in India’s efforts to suppress the Khalistan movement and target individuals in North America.

The report acknowledged that while there are Khalistani extremists in Canada, it is important to differentiate between those individuals and peaceful campaigners supporting the Khalistan movement. The report also highlighted the role of perceived Khalistani extremism in driving Indian foreign interference activities in Canada.

The decision to reinstate the high commissioners and restore diplomatic relations between Canada and India has sparked backlash from Sikh advocates and some politicians. Critics argue that the Canadian government should prioritize public safety over economic interests in its dealings with India. B.C. Premier David Eby has called for the India-based Lawrence Bishnoi gang to be designated as a terrorist organization in Canada due to their alleged involvement in criminal activities and extortion within the South Asian community.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree stated that the decision to designate the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist group would follow a thorough security process. He emphasized the importance of law enforcement cooperation between Canada and India to address transnational crime and security threats. Meanwhile, NDP public safety critic Jenny Kwan urged the government to suspend security and intelligence-sharing agreements with India and take a firm stance against foreign interference.

Overall, the CSIS report underscores the need for Canada to remain vigilant against foreign interference activities, particularly those originating from the Government of India. As diplomatic relations between the two countries are restored, it is crucial for Canada to prioritize national security and address threats posed by external actors.