The Canadian Security Intelligence Service warns that India and China may try to interfere in Canada’s upcoming elections on April 28. Russia and Pakistan are also mentioned as potential disruptors. The tensions between these nations and Canada have escalated, with allegations of foreign interference and diplomatic conflicts.

According to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), foreign powers, including India and China, are likely to attempt interference in Canada’s upcoming general elections scheduled for April 28. The agency also indicated that Russia and Pakistan could potentially engage in similar activities. These assertions come amidst deteriorating diplomatic relations between Canada, India, and China, both of whom have denied prior allegations of interference.

During a recent press conference, Vanessa Lloyd, CSIS Deputy Director of Operations, noted that hostile state actors are increasingly employing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to disrupt elections. She highlighted, “The PRC (People’s Republic of China) is highly likely to use AI-enabled tools to attempt to interfere with Canada’s democratic process in this current election.”

Lloyd further stated, “We have also seen that the government of India has the intent and capability to interfere in Canadian communities and democratic processes.” She emphasized the challenges of definitively linking foreign interference to electoral outcomes, but acknowledged that such activities could undermine public confidence in the integrity of Canada’s democracy.

A report released earlier indicated that Canada had been slow to address interference from China and India during the 2019 and 2021 elections, although these attempts did not alter the results. The Chinese and Indian diplomatic missions in Canada have yet to respond to these allegations.

Tensions escalated last year when Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including the head of mission, over alleged involvement in a plot targeting Sikh separatists. In October 2024, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of participating in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh leader in Canada, a claim which India denied and led to retaliatory diplomat expulsions.

Further complicating matters, China recently imposed tariffs on over $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural goods in response to tariffs Ottawa applied on Chinese products. Additionally, Canada condemned the execution of four of its citizens in China for drug smuggling, demanding accountability from Beijing.

As the election date approaches, new Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for these snap elections, aiming to secure a strong mandate amid ongoing confrontations with the United States, notably over tariff disputes. Carney stated he would maintain existing retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. until there is assurance of free trade and the removal of tariff threats.

In summary, Canada faces potential foreign interference from India, China, Russia, and Pakistan in its forthcoming elections. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service has indicated that AI is being leveraged as a tool for these hostile actions. The ongoing diplomatic conflicts with India and China further exacerbate the situation, contributing to public concerns about electoral integrity. As Canada prepares for a pivotal election, the government must address these challenges to uphold democratic values and trust.

Original Source: www.livemint.com

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