NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — India strongly criticized Canada following the release of the Canadian Commission on Foreign Interference’s report, which alleged that countries like India and China have engaged in spreading misinformation against the Canadian government. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) rejected these claims and countered by accusing Canada of persistent interference in India’s internal matters.
The MEA said in a statement issued on January 28, “We have seen a report about alleged activities on purported interference. It is Canada which has been consistently interfering in India’s internal affairs.” Such interference, according to the ministry, has created an atmosphere where illegal migration and organized criminal activities thrive, an aspect India will not tolerate.
The Indian government dismissed the report’s claims about India’s involvement in foreign interference and urged Canada to address the support systems enabling illegal migration. The MEA emphasized that such systems should “not be further countenanced.”
This exchange is further complicated by the already tense relationship that exists between India and Canada. Recent spats, including accusations of harboring elements of separatism and disagreements over trade policies, have heightened tensions. India had previously accused pro-Khalistani groups based in Canada of advancing secessionist ideologies and reducing India’s sovereignty.
The report of the Canadian Commission on Foreign Interference has reportedly cited misinformation campaigns allegedly carried out by India and China. However, the details of the allegations against India are not clear, and the MEA has categorically denied the insinuations.
To date, Canada has not officially responded to India’s allegations of interference or the concerns raised about organized criminal activities. The Canadian government has faced increased domestic scrutiny regarding its handling of foreign interference claims, with opposition parties and civil society groups calling for greater transparency.
This diplomatic clash can further complicate bilateral ties that are important to trade, migration, and education. Thousands of Indian students and workers live in Canada, and their futures might be affected if relations were to deteriorate seriously.
