India secretly funded preferred candidates in 2021 Canadian election: Report
An official probe by Canada's Foreign Interference Commission has accused India of engaging "in a range of activities that seek to influence Canadian communities and politicians." The interim report suggests that the Indian government, through its proxy agents, attempted to covertly finance preferred candidates in the Canadian general election of 2021. This was done in an attempt to secure the election of pro-India candidates or establish sway over those who assume power.
'Candidates may never know their campaigns received illicit funds'
"In some instances, the candidates may never know their campaigns received illicit funds," the report claimed. The Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections Taskforce (SITE) identified these activities, primarily from China, with lesser involvement from India and Pakistan. However, the report clarifies that "none of the activities met the threshold to pursue criminal investigations."
India's alleged interest in Canadian politics
The report suggests that India's interest in the Canadian election stems from the significant South Asian community residing in Canada. The alleged interference is purportedly aimed at aligning Canada's stance with India on issues concerning supporters of an independent Sikh homeland, Khalistan, based in Canada. The document further indicates that a section of the South Asian community fostering "an anti-India sentiment" is perceived as a threat to Indian stability and national security.
Targeted communities and influence activities
According to the report, Indian foreign interference primarily targets members of the Indo-Canadian communities. However, prominent non-Indo-Canadians are also subjected to its influence activities. The report states that "these activities may not be directed at influencing Canada's democratic institutions, but are still significant." India appeared 43 times in the 194-page report. Other countries involved in such activity include Russia, India, Pakistan, and the Islamic Republic of Iran, among others.
Arrests following report release
The report was released the same day the Canadian police arrested three Indian nationals for their alleged involvement in the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June last year. The three suspects were identified in court filings as Karanpreet Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karan Brar. The men, who had been living in Edmonton, Alberta, for the last three years, have been charged with first-degree murder as well as conspiracy to commit murder.
