Canada warns of Pakistan’s interference as India’s global influence grows

Canada has raised concerns over potential foreign interference in its upcoming general election, specifically citing Pakistan's alleged attempts to counter India’s expanding global influence. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) warned that Islamabad could engage in activities aimed at shaping political outcomes in Canada.

Vanessa Lloyd, Deputy Director of Operations at CSIS, said during a press conference on March 25 that Pakistan may attempt to exert influence in line with its strategic objectives. “The government of Pakistan could potentially conduct foreign interference activities against Canada to promote political, security, and economic stability in Pakistan and to counter India’s growing global influence,” she stated.

Lloyd further suggested that India, too, has both the intent and capability to interfere in Canadian politics. “We have also seen that the government of India has the intent and capability to interfere in Canadian communities and democratic processes to assert its geopolitical influence,” she added.

This is not the first time Canada has accused India and Pakistan of foreign interference. A federal inquiry in April 2024 revealed an unclassified CSIS report alleging “clandestine” activities by both nations in previous elections, particularly in 2019 and 2021.

According to the report, India allegedly targeted specific electoral districts with a high concentration of Indian-origin voters, particularly those perceived as sympathetic to the Khalistani movement or pro-Pakistan narratives. The document also claimed that a proxy agent may have attempted to sway democratic processes through undisclosed financial backing to preferred candidates.

Pakistan, on the other hand, was accused of covertly attempting to influence federal politics ahead of the 2019 election to advance its strategic interests in Canada.

New Delhi has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “baseless” and accusing Canada of interfering in its internal matters. India-Canada relations have been strained since former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar — a charge that India dismissed as “absurd.”

China and Russia also suspected of election interference

Beyond India and Pakistan, CSIS also warned of potential meddling by China and Russia in the April 28 elections. The intelligence agency believes that Beijing is “highly likely” to employ AI-driven tools and social media to push narratives favorable to its interests. Lloyd stated that China has previously used “clandestine and deceptive” tactics to influence Chinese ethnic, cultural, and religious communities in Canada.

Meanwhile, Russia has been accused of constructing online dissemination networks across social media and news platforms to amplify Kremlin-aligned messaging. Lloyd cautioned that Moscow could exploit these networks to conduct “foreign information manipulation and interference operations directed at Canadians.”

With heightened geopolitical tensions and foreign influence concerns looming over the elections, Canadian authorities are intensifying efforts to safeguard the democratic process from external manipulation.