In a bombshell intelligence assessment that has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has identified India as the “primary perpetrator” of foreign interference operations targeting Canada’s democratic institutions and diaspora communities.
The classified CSIS report, portions of which were obtained by CO24 News, details an alarming escalation in covert influence campaigns orchestrated by Indian intelligence services throughout 2024 and into early 2025. These operations reportedly extend beyond traditional espionage to include intimidation of Indo-Canadian communities, manipulation of political processes, and targeted disinformation campaigns designed to shape Canadian public opinion and policy decisions.
“What we’re witnessing represents a significant evolution in India’s foreign intelligence tactics,” said former CSIS analyst Rebecca Thornton in an exclusive interview with CO24. “The scale and sophistication of these operations suggest a deliberate strategic decision by New Delhi to expand its influence operations in Canada.”
The intelligence assessment identifies several concerning trends, including the targeting of Indo-Canadian politicians, journalists, and community leaders who have expressed views critical of the current Indian government. CSIS documents detail instances where individuals faced harassment, surveillance, and even threats to family members still residing in India.
According to the report, Indian intelligence operatives have allegedly established sophisticated networks within Canada, utilizing front organizations, cultural associations, and even religious institutions to gather intelligence and exert influence. Digital manipulation campaigns have also been detected, with evidence pointing to coordinated efforts to amplify pro-Indian government narratives while suppressing dissenting voices across social media platforms.
The revelations come at a particularly sensitive moment for Canada-India relations, which have remained strained since 2023 allegations regarding the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. Those allegations, which India vehemently denied, triggered a significant diplomatic rift between the two nations that has yet to fully heal.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly described the findings as “deeply troubling” during a press conference in Ottawa yesterday. “We have communicated our serious concerns directly to Indian officials and have made it clear that these activities, if confirmed, represent an unacceptable violation of Canadian sovereignty,” Joly stated.
The Indian High Commission in Ottawa swiftly rejected the allegations, calling them “baseless, politically motivated fabrications” designed to damage bilateral relations. In a strongly worded statement, Indian officials accused Canada of harboring “anti-India extremists” and suggested the intelligence assessment represents a “continuation of Canada’s troubling pattern of making unsubstantiated claims against India.”
Security experts note that the CSIS findings are particularly significant given India’s traditional classification as a friendly democratic partner rather than an adversarial state. “This represents a fundamental shift in how we conceptualize threat actors,” explained Dr. Anita Sharma, director of the Institute for Security Studies at York University. “The conventional wisdom has been to focus primarily on Russia, China, and Iran, but this assessment forces a complete recalibration of our security posture.”
Parliamentary committees are now expected to conduct hearings into foreign interference, with opposition parties demanding transparency regarding what the government knew and when. Conservative foreign affairs critic Michael Chong has called for “immediate and substantive action” to address what he termed “a direct assault on Canadian democracy.”
For Canada’s diverse Indo-Canadian communities, the revelations have created complex tensions. Community leaders report increased anxiety, particularly among those with family connections to regions experiencing political tension in India.
“Many people feel caught between two worlds,” explained Rajinder Singh, president of the Canadian Sikh Alliance. “They love both Canada and India, but now face impossible choices about how to express their political views without facing potential repercussions.”
As Canadian security agencies continue their investigations, questions remain about how Ottawa will balance diplomatic imperatives with security concerns. With India representing Canada’s ninth-largest trading partner and a crucial counterweight in Indo-Pacific geopolitics, the relationship carries significant strategic importance despite these troubling developments.
The coming weeks will likely determine whether Canada-India relations descend into further acrimony or whether diplomatic channels can facilitate a resolution that addresses Canada’s security concerns while preserving essential bilateral cooperation.
As this story continues to unfold, Canadians must ask themselves: How can our democracy effectively protect itself against sophisticated foreign interference while maintaining the openness and diversity that defines our national character?
