In a strong response on Thursday, India rejected allegations made by Canadian agencies, branding India as a ‘foreign interference threat’ in Canadian elections. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal categorically denied the claims, stating that India strongly rejects such baseless allegations of interference in Canadian elections. Jaiswal emphasized that it is not the government of India’s policy to interfere in the democratic processes of other countries. Instead, he argued, Canada has been interfering in India’s internal affairs, a matter consistently raised with the Canadian authorities.
The Canadian federal commission of inquiry into foreign interference, according to media reports, is investigating allegations of meddling by India in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. The terms of reference primarily focus on possible interference by China, Russia, and other foreign states or non-state actors.
Jaiswal highlighted that India has been consistently raising concerns about Canada’s interference in its internal affairs. This development comes amid strained relations between the two countries, particularly following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations last year regarding the potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
India dismissed Trudeau’s allegations as “absurd” and “motivated,” accusing Canada of providing space to Khalistani extremists targeting India. The recent denial reinforces India’s stance on maintaining the integrity of democratic processes and rejecting unfounded claims of interference.
