- India accused of interfering in Canada’s federal election with disinformation campaigns.
- Canadian intelligence agencies warn of foreign influence from India, China, Pakistan, and Iran.
- Chandra Arya disqualified from Liberal leadership race over suspected ties to India.
- Allegations surface that India interfered in the 2022 Conservative leadership race.
- Canada’s security agencies struggle to counter growing foreign interference threats.
Canadian intelligence officials have raised concerns about India’s role in election interference. As the country prepares for federal elections on April 28, foreign actors like India, China, Pakistan, and Iran are suspected of using disinformation to influence voters.
In a press briefing, Vanessa Lloyd, deputy director of Canada’s intelligence agency, discussed the growing threat. She pointed out, “Threat actors have refined their tactics, making it more difficult to detect their interference activities.” This shows how much more sophisticated these operations have become.
Experts now warn that artificial intelligence plays a central role in India’s alleged interference strategy. AI-generated misinformation is spreading across social media, especially targeting diaspora communities. A recent inquiry highlighted that information manipulation is the greatest risk to Canada’s democratic institutions.
Between January and February, China targeted former finance minister Chrystia Freeland on WeChat. However, officials now emphasize that India’s tactics are becoming more insidious. They use AI to make propaganda appear like genuine, authentic discourse.
Allegations of Foreign Influence Spark Controversy
This week, Liberal Party leadership hopeful Chandra Arya was disqualified due to concerns about his relationship with India. Arya has served in the House of Commons since 2015. In January, he learned that he was barred from the leadership race.
Earlier this month, Arya was also declared ineligible to run for re-election in his district. According to The Globe and Mail, Arya visited India in August. He met Prime Minister Narendra Modi without informing Canadian authorities.
The timing of his visit raised suspicions amid tensions between Canada and India. These tensions grew after a Sikh activist was assassinated on Canadian soil. Arya’s undisclosed trip fueled concerns over potential foreign influence in Canadian politics.
Arya defended his actions, stating, “As a member of Parliament, I have engaged with numerous diplomats and heads of government.” He added that he was never required to seek government approval for such meetings.
He also argued that his disqualification was politically motivated. Arya pointed to his vocal opposition to Khalistani extremism as the likely cause. He suggested that this may have played a role in his removal from the race.
Meanwhile, the opposition Conservative Party is facing allegations of foreign interference as well. Reports suggest that India tried to influence the 2022 leadership race in favor of Pierre Poilievre. Intelligence sources claim India attempted to sway the election, but Poilievre has denied knowledge of any involvement.
India’s Alleged Election Interference Raises Alarm
India’s alleged interference in Canada’s elections is part of a broader pattern of foreign meddling. Intelligence officials have consistently warned that countries like China and Pakistan are trying to influence Canadian politics for their strategic benefit.
Moreover, India’s actions have particularly strained Canada-India relations. Prime Minister Mark Carney recently dismissed claims that foreign interference affected his party’s nomination process.
However, security experts argue that Canada must take stronger actions to prevent foreign influence from undermining democratic processes.
As Canada’s federal election approaches, concerns over India’s election meddling continue to grow. Intelligence agencies are actively working to counter these threats.
Yet, the sophistication of modern disinformation campaigns presents significant challenges for Canada’s democratic institutions.
Furthermore, foreign actors are exploiting AI tools and digital platforms to spread propaganda. Therefore, Canada must enhance its security measures to protect the electoral system. The big question now is whether Canadian authorities will act swiftly enough to prevent further interference.