No Indian interference in 2021 Canada polls: Inquiry
A recent official investigation into potential foreign interference in Canada's 2021 elections has exonerated India. The inquiry, conducted by a team of high-ranking Canadian officials, found no evidence of Indian involvement in influencing the election results. A poll official confirmed to the inquiry panel, "I do not believe during the 2021 election that we saw evidence of Government of India using those tools in the campaign."
Why does this story matter?
The investigation into India's "meddling" into the elections in Canada comes amid strained ties between the two countries. Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's earlier allegations of New Delhi's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil have become a flashpoint in bilateral relations between the two countries. India had dismissed Trudeau's allegations as "absurd" and "baseless."
Investigation initiated following CSIS claims
The investigation was launched in response to allegations by the Canada Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) that both India and Pakistan had attempted to interfere in the Canadian elections held in 2019 and 2021. The probe however found evidence of China's interference in Canada's last two elections. A CSIS report titled "Briefing to the Prime Minister's Office on Foreign Interference Threats to Canada's Democratic Institutions," stated: "The PRC [People's Republic of China] clandestinely...deceptively interfered...in the 2019 and 2021 general elections."
India strongly rejects allegations of election interference
Earlier, External Affairs Minister Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal strongly refuted the allegations of Indian interference in Canadian elections. He stated, "We have seen media reports about the Canadian commission enquiring into...We strongly reject all such baseless allegations of Indian interference in Canadian elections." It is not the government of India's policy to interfere in the democratic processes of other countries. In fact, quite on the reverse, it is Canada which has been interfering in our internal affairs," he added.
PM Trudeau to testify in foreign interference probe
The Liberal Party, led by PM Trudeau, won both scrutinized elections. Amidst concerns raised by opposition legislators about media reports on China's potential role, Trudeau established a commission to investigate foreign interference. The Prime Minister is scheduled to testify before this probe panel on Wednesday (local time).
