Canada Alleges India and China Could Interfere in Elections

Canada’s intelligence agency has raised concerns about potential election interference by India and China ahead of the country’s snap general election on April 28, 2025. The allegations come at a time when Canada’s relations with both nations have been deteriorating due to past diplomatic tensions. According to Vanessa Lloyd, the deputy director of operations at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), "hostile state actors" are leveraging artificial intelligence and social media to manipulate Canada’s democratic process. This accusation has sparked fresh controversy and could further strain already tense diplomatic ties between Canada, India, and China.

Allegations Against China

During a press conference, Vanessa Lloyd stated that China is "highly likely" to use AI-enabled tools to interfere with Canada’s upcoming elections. She warned that China could manipulate social media platforms to promote narratives favoring its geopolitical interests. China is also accused of targeting Chinese ethnic, cultural, and religious communities in Canada using "clandestine and deceptive" tactics.

The Canadian government has previously accused China of election interference. In 2023, The Globe and Mail reported that Chinese officials allegedly provided secret financial support to candidates from three major political parties in a federal election. These claims led to heightened scrutiny of foreign influence in Canadian politics. China, however, has denied such allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated.

Allegations Against India

India has also been named as a potential election meddler by CSIS. Lloyd claimed that the Indian government has both the "intent and capability" to interfere in Canadian communities and influence democratic processes. However, no specific evidence was provided to support these claims.

India has repeatedly rejected allegations of foreign interference in Canada’s elections. In January 2025, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed a Canadian commission report that accused foreign governments, including India, of meddling in Ottawa’s elections. The MEA issued a statement rejecting the report’s insinuations and criticized Canada for allowing illegal migration networks to flourish.

The latest allegations may worsen tensions between the two nations, which have already been on a downward trajectory since September 2023. Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India strongly denied the charge, calling it "absurd and politically motivated." The dispute led to diplomatic expulsions and a breakdown in relations between New Delhi and Ottawa.

Warnings About Russia and Pakistan

CSIS has also issued warnings about possible interference by Russia and Pakistan. Lloyd stated that Russia has been building "dissemination networks" across social media and news websites to amplify Kremlin talking points. Canada believes that Russia may use these online networks to spread disinformation and manipulate public opinion ahead of the election.

Pakistan has also been flagged as a potential meddler. According to CSIS, Pakistan could conduct foreign interference operations to promote its political, security, and economic interests. Additionally, Canada fears that Pakistan may attempt to counter India’s growing influence on the global stage through covert tactics.

Broader Implications for Canada’s Foreign Relations

The allegations made by CSIS highlight the growing concerns over foreign interference in Canada’s political landscape. These accusations could have serious diplomatic consequences, particularly with India and China, two of the world’s most powerful economies.

Canada’s relations with China have been deteriorating for several years. The latest accusations come shortly after China imposed tariffs on more than $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural and food products. Beijing’s move was seen as retaliation against Canada’s tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum. The trade war between the two nations has intensified, adding another layer of complexity to their already strained relationship.

The India-Canada relationship is also at a critical juncture. The Nijjar case significantly damaged diplomatic ties, leading to a series of retaliatory actions from both sides. India expelled six Canadian diplomats and recalled its envoy to Ottawa after Canadian authorities attempted to question Indian officials as "persons of interest" in the case. With these latest election interference allegations, the situation could further escalate.

Canada’s Response and Election Security Measures

As Canada prepares for the April 28 general election, authorities are taking steps to strengthen election security. The Canadian government has increased monitoring of online misinformation campaigns and is working with social media platforms to identify and remove deceptive content.

Additionally, CSIS and other intelligence agencies are collaborating with international partners to counter potential cyber threats. There are growing calls within Canada for stricter regulations on foreign influence in political campaigns and stricter monitoring of financial contributions to political parties.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government has not yet commented on whether it will take diplomatic action against India and China based on these allegations. However, opposition parties have demanded transparency and stronger measures to protect Canada’s democracy from foreign interference.

Conclusion

The allegations of election interference against India, China, Russia, and Pakistan come at a crucial time for Canada. With a snap election on the horizon, concerns over foreign influence and cybersecurity threats are at an all-time high. While these accusations could strain diplomatic ties, they also highlight the need for robust safeguards to protect democratic institutions. As the election campaign unfolds, it remains to be seen how Canada will address these security concerns and whether any concrete evidence will emerge to support the claims made by CSIS.