‘Baseless accusations’: MEA dismisses Canadian spy agency’s accusations of foreign interference

India on Thursday dismissed allegations in a Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) report that New Delhi continues to engage in foreign interference activities in Canada, calling the claims “baseless accusations” and reiterating that India does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.Responding to a question on the Center for Strategic and International Studies assessment at a media briefing, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s position on the issue remains “clear and consistent”. “We categorically reject such baseless accusations. India is a democratic country that abides by international norms and respects the sovereignty of other countries. It is not our policy to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries,” Jaiswal said. He added, “India is a democratic country that adheres to international norms and respects the sovereignty of other countries. It is not our policy to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. Any concerns of this nature should be addressed through established mechanisms and not through politicization or public narratives.”In addition, in response to the Canadian organizations mentioned in the report for promoting violence against India, Jaiswal said New Delhi has repeatedly expressed concerns about extremist and separatist elements operating on Canadian soil. “We have long been concerned about extremists and separatists using Canadian soil as a safe haven,” he said.This comes after the Center for Strategic and International Studies listed India, along with China, Pakistan, Russia and Iran, as countries suspected of engaging in interference against Canada in its latest annual report on foreign interference and espionage threats. However, the report also identifies Khalistani extremism in Canada as a significant national security concern.The report states that some Canadian Khalistani Extremists (CBKE) are using Canadian institutions to promote an extremist agenda and raise funds that are allegedly diverted to violent activities. The report also said that Sikh extremists use Canada as a base to “propaganda, fundraise or plan violent activities mainly in India.”The latest report takes a more restrained tone on India compared with the agency’s 2024 assessment. While it claimed India had “historically” had secret links with politicians, journalists and parts of the Inca community to promote its interests, it did not mention the 2023 killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar or previous allegations of Indian involvement, which India also denies.