- By Ajeet Kumar
- Tue, 25 Mar 2025 10:05 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ottawa: Canada's spy agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), on Monday, imposed fresh allegations on India-- a claim which was also alleged by former Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau but potentially the first in the new regime. The latest allegations levelled by spy agencies claimed that India and China might attempt to influence its upcoming election on April 28. This warning comes amid strained relations with both nations.
In a press conference, Vanessa Lloyd, a senior CSIS official, stated that countries like China are likely to use artificial intelligence (AI) to meddle in the voting process. She explained that China will probably rely on AI and social media to push narratives that benefit its image, especially by targeting Chinese communities in Canada with misleading methods. Lloyd also claimed that India has both the desire and the means to sway Canadian communities and democratic systems to expand its international influence.
Pakistan's role in Canada elections
As of writing this article, neither New Delhi nor Beijing responded to these new accusations. However, both countries dismissed similar ones before. She went on to say that Russia is setting up online networks on social media and news outlets to spread its own messages, which could be used to interfere in Canada’s election. Finally, she noted that Pakistan might also try to disrupt things to advance its own objectives.
India-Canada relations
The ties between India and Canada came under severe strain following Trudeau’s allegations in September 2023 of the “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. New Delhi rejected Trudeau’s charges as “absurd”. The relations nosedived further in the second half of last year after Ottawa linked several Indian diplomats including High Commissioner Sanjay Verma to the murder of Nijjar.
In October last, India withdrew Verma and five other diplomats. India also expelled an equal number of Canadian diplomats from New Delhi. In the last few months, the security officials of India and Canada resumed contact and both sides are looking at the possibility of appointing new high commissioners. The exit of Trudeau is being seen as an opportunity to improve the bilateral ties.
