Kamal Ghorui
India on Thursday rejected allegations in a report by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) claiming that New Delhi continued to engage in foreign interference activities in Canada, calling the assertions “baseless imputations” and reiterating that India does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.Responding to questions on the CSIS assessment during a media briefing, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s position on the issue had remained “clear and consistent”. “We categorically reject such baseless imputations. India is a democracy that adheres to international norms and respects the sovereignty of other nations. It is not our policy to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries,” Jaiswal said. He added, “India is a democracy that adheres to international norms and respects the sovereignty of other nations. It is not our policy to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. Any concerns of this nature should be addressed through established mechanisms rather than through politicised or public narratives.”Additionally, on references in the report to Canada-based groups promoting violence against India, Jaiswal said New Delhi had repeatedly raised concerns regarding extremist and separatist elements operating from Canadian soil. “We have consistently raised concerns regarding the use of Canadian territory as a safe haven by extremists and separatists,” he said.The remarks came after CSIS, in its latest annual report on foreign interference and espionage threats, named India alongside China, Pakistan, Russia and Iran as countries allegedly involved in interference activities targeting Canada. However, the report also identified Canada-based Khalistani extremism as a major national security concern.The report stated that some Canada-Based Khalistani Extremists (CBKEs) were using Canadian institutions to promote extremist agendas and raise funds allegedly diverted towards violent activities. It further said Sikh extremist elements use Canada as a base to “promote, fundraise or plan violence primarily in India”.Compared to the agency’s 2024 assessment, the latest report adopted a more restrained tone on India. While it alleged that India had “historically” cultivated covert ties with politicians, journalists and sections of the Indo-Canadian community to advance its interests, it did not mention the 2023 killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar or previous allegations of Indian involvement, which has been denied by India as well.
