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MEA dismisses CSIS foreign interference allegations as baseless imputations
India rejected CSIS's latest report alleging foreign interference in Canada, calling the claims baseless. The MEA said India adheres to international norms and does not interfere in other countries' internal affairs, while highlighting concerns about extremists using Canadian territory as a safe haven.
Why It Matters
The exchange highlights tensions over allegations of state involvement in another country's internal affairs and underscores ongoing concerns about extremist activity linked to Canada.
Timeline
5 Events
CSIS report did not mention Nijjar killing or previous Indian involvement allegations
May 7, 2026
The 2026 CSIS report did not mention the 2023 Nijjar killing or previous allegations of Indian involvement.
MEA responds to CSIS allegations, calling them baseless imputations
May 7, 2026
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India's position on the issue had remained clear and consistent, rejecting such baseless imputations. He asserted that India does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and that India adheres to international norms, while noting concerns about Canadian territory being used as a safe haven by extremists and separatists.
CSIS latest annual report names India among countries allegedly involved in interference
May 7, 2026
CSIS's latest annual report on foreign interference and espionage threats names India alongside China, Pakistan, Russia and Iran as countries allegedly involved in interference activities targeting Canada. The report also identifies Canada-based Khalistani extremism as a major national security concern and notes that some Canada-based Khalistani extremists use Canadian institutions to promote extremist agendas and raise funds for violence in India. The report is described as adopting a more restrained tone on India compared with the 2024 assessment.
CSIS 2024 assessment referenced as earlier context
2024
CSIS published a 2024 assessment on foreign interference; the article notes that the latest 2026 report adopts a more restrained tone in comparison, indicating shifts in framing.
Nijjar killing (2023) referenced as prior development
2023
The article references the 2023 killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar as a past development in the broader discussion of allegations of Indian involvement.