India meddling in Canada, claims intelligence report

China and India are deeply engaged in attempting to influence diaspora communities and elect MPs sympathetic to their interests through illicit funding and disinformation campaigns, stated a Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) report tabled at Canada's public inquiry into foreign interference.

The document details how heavily involved the government of India is in trying to meddle in Canadian domestic affairs and undermine support for the Khalistan movement that seeks an independent Sikh state in Punjab, according to a report by the Globe and Mail.

"The Gol [government of India] attempts to shape the final make-up of Parliament through supporting individual pro-Gol candidates, including through interference in leadership and nomination contests," said the document, titled Country Summaries.

Gathered intelligence indicates "Gol proxy agents may have attempted to interfere in democratic processes, reportedly including through the clandestine provision of illicit financial support to various Canadian politicians as a means of attempting to secure the election of pro-Gol candidates or gaining influence over candidates who take office."

In some instances, candidates may not even know their campaigns received illicit money, the report said. It noted that India, like China, also resorts to disinformation campaigns to "spread false narratives regarding certain elected officials."