A report released last week by Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue reported a catalogue of activities by Indian officials, including those placed in Canada, looking to sway Canadian communities and politicians to New Delhi's views, particularly on the issue of Khalistani separatists in Canada.
While the report said it found evidence of foreign interference in Canada's past two federal elections, it confirmed that Canada's electoral system was robust, and the election results were not marred. India has repeatedly denied such allegations, attributing the issue to Ottawa's interference in its internal affairs.
The report flagged China as the biggest perpetrator of foreign interference against Canada, targeting government officials, political parties, candidates, and diaspora communities. As for India, it said Indian officials and their proxies sought to influence Canadian communities and politicians, especially around perceptions of supporters of an independent Sikh homeland.
Interest in Canada runs deep for India, which can see a large South Asian population in Canada among whom some are seen as harbouring anti-India views and thus a threat to India's stability and security. On the main issue, the report underlined India's position by considering all forms of Khalistani separatism as seditious threats.
Indian officials in Canada reportedly operated in concert with Canadian proxies and networks to execute foreign interference activities and are said to have taken direction from Indian intelligence officials. Such was the suspicion that the report suggested Indian proxies attempted to interfere in democratic processes, including through the clandestine provision of financial support to Canadian politicians.
Although India featured 43 times in the report, no Indian-based disinformation campaigns were found to have occurred during the 2021 general election. The investigation also found that the government responded appropriately to potential Indian interference.
Still, India maintains its claims regarding the separatist elements in Canada, whom he views as one of the more contentious issues in bilateral ties. The report also came up with naming the other countries which are actively involved in interference in Canadian soil, and this includes Russia, Pakistan, and Iran, in addition to others.
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