The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has issued a warning that China and India are highly likely to attempt interference in Canada’s upcoming general elections on April 28.
The intelligence agency’s statement on Monday comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between Canada, China, and India. Both Beijing and New Delhi have previously denied any involvement in foreign interference.
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At a press conference, Vanessa Lloyd, CSIS’s deputy director of operations, stated that foreign entities are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate democratic processes. She specifically pointed out that China is expected to employ AI-driven methods to interfere in the elections.
Lloyd also alleged that India has both the intention and the capability to disrupt Canada’s democratic institutions. “We have observed that the Indian government is capable of and intends to influence Canadian communities and electoral processes,” she added.
Strained Diplomatic Relations
The accusations emerge at a time when Canada’s relations with India have already been under strain. Last year, Ottawa expelled six Indian diplomats, including the head of mission, over allegations of their involvement in a conspiracy targeting Sikh separatists in Canada. India has repeatedly dismissed these allegations as “baseless and politically motivated.”
A government probe conducted earlier this year found that both China and India had previously attempted to interfere in Canada’s 2019 and 2021 elections. However, the report stated that these efforts did not affect the final election outcomes. The investigation identified India as the second most active nation in foreign interference, accusing it of spreading disinformation and potentially providing secret financial support to preferred candidates in the 2021 elections without their knowledge.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) rejected these claims and urged Canada to stop making such allegations. “We categorically dismiss the report’s claims against India and expect Ottawa to discontinue its support for illegal migration networks,” an MEA statement read.
Escalating Tensions with China
This latest intelligence warning also comes as Canada’s relations with China continue to deteriorate. Earlier this month, China imposed tariffs on more than $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural and food products in retaliation for Canada’s levies on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum last year.
Additionally, Canada recently condemned China after reports confirmed that Beijing had executed four Canadian citizens for drug smuggling offenses.
Diplomatic representatives of China and India in Ottawa have not yet responded to these latest allegations.
Meanwhile, newly appointed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed a desire to rebuild relations with India. Prior to taking office, Carney had promised to strengthen ties with New Delhi, which has raised questions about the timing of Canada’s renewed accusations against India.
