New Delhi: In a recent statement, India firmly rebuffed Canadas accusations of interference in its electoral processes, denouncing them as baseless. The rebuttal came from Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during a press briefing.Indian response to Canadian allegationsAddressing the media, Jaiswal underscored Indias commitment to non-interference in the democratic processes of other nations. He emphasised that it is not the policy of the Indian government to meddle in the internal affairs of other countries. Rather, he contended, Canada has been the party interfering in Indias domestic matters.Jaiswal highlighted Indias consistent efforts to raise concerns with Canada regarding its interference in Indian affairs. He urged Canada to take effective measures to address Indias core concerns in this regard.#WATCH | MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, We have seen media reports, Canadian Commission inquiring into foreign interferences...we strongly reject such baseless allegations of Indian interference in Canadian elections, it is not govt of Indias policy to interfere in the… pic.twitter.com/tUCq20uvzz— ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2024Canadian commissions inquiryThe tensions between India and Canada were further exacerbated by an independent commission established by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The commission, tasked with probing alleged foreign interference in Canada, has solicited information from the Trudeau government regarding potential meddling by India in the 2019 and 2021 elections.Allegations against China and IndiaFurthermore, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service released a confidential report implicating China and India in foreign interference activities. The report accused China of clandestinely influencing Canadian elections and highlighted India as another foreign interference threat.According to the report, Chinas interference activities were described as significant and pervasive, targeting various levels of government and civil society across Canada. Regarding India, the report warned that the issue of foreign interference could exacerbate and called for stronger measures to safeguard Canadas democratic institutions and processes.Straining tensions between New Delhi and OttawaMeanwhile, the strained relations between India and Canada escalated in September 2023 when Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau insinuated Indian involvement in the murder of a Khalistani separatist in Canada. The exchange of allegations underscores the deepening rift between the two nations, posing challenges to diplomatic relations.The developments underscore the complexity of international relations and the imperative for nations to navigate disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.
