In a recent report revealed by the Hindustan Times, Canada's senior parliamentary committee has underscored India as the second most pressing foreign threat to the nation's democratic integrity, with China retaining its top spot on the list. The report highlights concerns over potential interference in Canada's democratic processes. Reacting to these findings, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized the gravity of the issue, stating that his administration views foreign meddling as a significant challenge requiring immediate attention.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government takes foreign interference “very seriously”. (AP)
NSICOP Report Insights
The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP), consisting of Members of Parliament and senators with high-level security clearances, recently released a report amid escalating tensions between India and Canada, as reported by HT. This development comes amidst strained relations between the two nations, sparked by Prime Minister Trudeau's allegations last year, which implicated Indian government operatives in the killing of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar—a claim promptly dismissed by New Delhi as "absurd," according to the publication.
The report sheds light on concerns surrounding potential foreign influence on Canadian parliamentarians, indicating instances where certain lawmakers may have engaged in questionable conduct. Specifically, it suggests that some MPs may have communicated with foreign missions, sought to unduly influence their colleagues, and shared confidential information with foreign diplomats. Moreover, the report alleges that certain parliamentarians may have received financial backing from foreign actors or their proxies, as outlined in the HT report.
China as the Primary Actor
The report, submitted to the Prime Minister's Office in May, has been recently presented in Parliament with certain information withheld, according to the document. It highlighted China as the primary actor in foreign interference, emphasizing that the strategies employed by the nation focus on safeguarding and bolstering the legitimacy and stability of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
“In its efforts to protect and enhance the legitimacy and stability of the CCP domestically and abroad, the PRC employs a comprehensive approach to targeting and leveraging virtually all aspects of Canada’s democratic processes and institutions to advance its strategic interests," the report said.
India's Rising Influence
The report highlights India's rise as the second-most prominent foreign interference threat to Canada's democratic institutions and processes, surpassing Russia. India's interference activities have expanded beyond countering pro-Khalistan elements in Canada to targeting Canadian politicians, ethnic media, and Indo-Canadian communities, as reported by HT, citing the panel.
Indian authorities have not yet addressed the report. Previously, New Delhi has dismissed similar accusations and accused Canadian officials of meddling in Indian affairs, asserting that Canada shelters Khalistani and other extremist factions.
"India has emerged as the second-most significant foreign interference threat to Canada’s democratic institutions and processes, displacing Russia. India’s foreign interference efforts have slowly increased and extended beyond countering pro-Khalistan elements in Canada. These efforts include interfering in Canadian democratic processes and institutions, including through the targeting of Canadian politicians, ethnic media, and Indo-Canadian ethnocultural communities," the report alleged. The report mentions India 44 times within its 84 pages.
Other Foreign Interference
The report also pointed out Pakistan's interference, particularly during the initial phase of the review period, and acknowledges that China, India, Pakistan, and Iran have participated in "transnational repression."
It cites Trudeau's remarks from September 18th of the previous year regarding "credible allegations" connecting Indian operatives to Nijjar's assassination in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023. Nijjar had been labeled as a terrorist by India.
Established in 2018, NSICOP oversees intelligence and security affairs, comprising members from both the House and the Senate, with Liberal Party MP David McGuinty serving as its chair.
Not the First Time Targeting India
A recent Opinion piece published by The Globe and Mail, authored by journalist Doug Saunders, has sparked controversy for its alleged dissemination of misinformation and distortion of facts. In the article, titled "Narendra Modi’s threat to kill foreigners ‘in their homes’ can’t simply be ignored," Saunders is accused of peddling lies and engaging in a brazen attempt to whitewash Khalistani terrorism. The piece takes aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that he made threats to kill foreigners, including Canadian citizens, in their home countries. However, these claims have been refuted as misrepresentations of PM Modi's remarks, which actually pertained to India's commitment to combating terrorism, particularly emanating from Pakistan.
Saunders' Opinion piece has drawn criticism for its unfounded assertions and inflammatory language, with many condemning it as a smear campaign based on misquoted statements. PM Modi's speech, which Saunders purportedly misinterpreted, underscored India's resolve to take decisive action against terrorism, especially those emanating from across the border.
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