### India Named Second-Biggest Foreign Threat to Canada’s Democracy by Parliamentary Report
A recent report from a high-level Canadian parliamentary committee has labeled India as the "second-biggest foreign threat" to Canada's democracy, with China identified as the foremost threat. This marks a significant shift in threat perception, placing India ahead of Russia, which previously held the second spot in 2019.
#### Key Findings of the Report
**1. India’s Growing Influence:**
- The report, issued by the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, highlighted India's increasing efforts to interfere in Canadian democratic processes.
- While historically focused on countering pro-Khalistani elements, India's activities have reportedly expanded to include broader interference, targeting Canadian politicians, ethnic media, and Indo-Canadian communities.
**2. Foreign Interference Allegations:**
- Earlier this year, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) shared unclassified documents alleging electoral interference by several countries, including India.
- The Indian government has strongly denied these allegations, calling them "baseless."
**3. Comparative Threat Levels:**
- China remains the top foreign interference threat, actively targeting various aspects of Canada's democratic institutions to support the Chinese Communist Party’s strategic interests.
- Russia, previously considered a major threat, has shown a reduced level of engagement in targeting Canadian democratic processes, as per the new report.
**4. Additional Actors:**
- The report also mentions Pakistan and Iran as being involved in foreign interference activities in Canada.
#### Government Response
**Canadian Perspective:**
- Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland emphasized the seriousness with which the Canadian government views foreign political interference, acknowledging the need to guard against efforts by authoritarian regimes to undermine Canadian democracy.
**Indian Response:**
- Indian officials have yet to respond to the latest allegations, but in the past, they have dismissed similar claims, accusing Canadian authorities of interfering in India's internal matters.
#### Background and Context
**Strained Relations:**
- Relations between India and Canada have been tense, particularly following accusations by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a claim India has firmly rejected.
- Despite the tensions, Trudeau congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
**Impact on Indo-Canadian Relations:**
- The report underscores the complex dynamics between India and Canada, with both nations navigating a challenging diplomatic landscape amid accusations and counter-accusations of interference.
**China’s Continued Dominance:**
- The report reinforces China’s status as the most significant foreign interference threat, detailing its comprehensive approach to influencing Canadian democratic processes to align with its strategic interests.
### Conclusion
The Canadian parliamentary report presents a detailed analysis of foreign interference threats, with India emerging as a notable concern. As both nations continue to address these issues, the findings highlight the importance of robust measures to safeguard democratic institutions against external influences. The evolving nature of these threats underscores the need for continued vigilance and international cooperation in countering interference activities.
