Canada’s intelligence agency is cautioning that India continues to pose a foreign interference risk, even as Ottawa and New Delhi move to rebuild diplomatic relations.
In its annual threat assessment released Wednesday, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) identified India among a group of states, including Russia, China, and Iran, believed to be engaged in foreign interference activities targeting Canada.
The report warns that interference linked to the Indian government extends beyond community-level influence and into Canada’s broader political landscape, urging continued vigilance from Canadian authorities.
The findings were made public just one day after Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to restore high-level diplomatic representation between the two countries and explore the resumption of visa services.
Relations sharply deteriorated last year after Canada and India expelled each other’s high commissioners following RCMP allegations that Indian officials were connected to organized criminal activity in Canada, including extortion and acts of violence.
Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on Ottawa to take tougher action against transnational criminal groups. British Columbia Premier David Eby has called on the federal government to designate the India-based Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization, citing alleged extortion and threats targeting South Asian communities.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said no formal request has been submitted, noting that terrorist listings follow an independent review process. NDP MP Jenny Kwan has also urged the government to suspend intelligence-sharing arrangements with India until interference concerns are addressed.
