India has 'intent, capability' to meddle in elections: Canada
What's the story
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has alerted that both India and China could try to meddle in the upcoming Canadian general election.
The alert comes as Canada is all set to hold its general election on April 28 after Prime Minister Mark Carney announced snap elections.
This prediction comes amid worsening ties between Ottawa and New Delhi over allegations of India's role in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Official statement
CSIS deputy director's remarks on potential election interference
Vanessa Lloyd, Deputy Director of CSIS, said hostile state actors are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to interfere in elections.
"The PRC (People's Republic of China) is highly likely to use AI-enabled tools to attempt to interfere with Canada's democratic process in this current election."
Lloyd further added that India has the intent and capability to meddle in Canadian communities and democratic processes.
Past incidents
Previous instances of alleged foreign interference
A January report of an official investigation found that Canada was slow to respond to Chinese and Indian attempts to interfere in the 2019 and 2021 polls. However, these attempts did not affect the results.
CSIS deputy director Vanessa Lloyd noted that Russia and Pakistan could also potentially conduct foreign interference activities against Canada.
"It is possible that Russia will use these online networks to opportunistically conduct foreign information manipulation and interference operations directed at Canadians," she said.
Diplomatic fallout
Diplomatic tensions between Canada and India
Canada-India diplomatic relations have hit an all-time low after Canada's allegations of India's involvement in a plot against Sikh separatists on Canadian soil.
Canada's relationship with China has also deteriorated in recent years.
Beijing announced tariffs on more than $2.6 billion in Canadian agricultural and food exports this month, in response to charges imposed by Ottawa last year on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum products.