Canada has delivered a major rebuff to accusations of Indian meddling in its elections, dealing a blow to pro-Khalistani groups that promoted these claims. A sweeping inquiry into foreign electoral interference has cleared India, while uncovering evidence of Chinese attempts to influence both the 2017 and 2021 elections.
"There's no evidence to suggest the Indian government was directly involved in election interference," stated a polling official with knowledge of the investigation. This finding directly contradicts earlier claims that strained relations between Ottawa and New Delhi, fueled by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's stance on Khalistani extremism.
Trudeau's Liberal Party swept to power in 2015 but has formed minority governments in the 2019 and 2021 elections, raising concerns about potential outside influence. Pro-Khalistani groups in Canada have been particularly vocal in accusing India of trying to sway election results.
This official inquiry not only exonerates India but shifts focus squarely onto China as a potential source of interference in Canada's democratic process. This development marks a significant shift in the narrative surrounding alleged foreign influence in Canadian elections.
