ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has raised concerns about the possibility of foreign interference in the upcoming Canadian federal elections, set for April 28, 2025. According to CSIS, both China and India are “highly likely” to attempt interference in the electoral process.
During a press conference on Monday, Vanessa Lloyd, Deputy Director of Operations at CSIS, highlighted the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) by foreign actors seeking to influence democratic systems. “The People’s Republic of China is highly likely to use AI-driven tools to interfere with Canada’s democratic process in this upcoming election,” Lloyd stated. She also noted that India, alongside China, had the “intent and capability” to influence Canadian democratic institutions, specifically targeting Canadian communities and elections.
Escalating Diplomatic Strain
These latest warnings come amid already strained relations between Ottawa and both Beijing and New Delhi. Canada and India have been embroiled in diplomatic tensions, with Ottawa expelling six Indian diplomats last year over allegations of involvement in a plot against Sikh separatists in Canada—a claim New Delhi has consistently denied, calling it politically motivated.
In a report released earlier this year, an official Canadian investigation revealed that while China and India had attempted to meddle in the country’s 2019 and 2021 federal elections, there was no evidence their efforts had altered the outcomes. However, India was identified as the second most active foreign actor in terms of interference. Disinformation and covert financial support to preferred candidates were highlighted as tactics used by India in the 2021 elections. The Indian government vehemently rejected these findings, calling them baseless and urging Canada to cease making such allegations. “We reject the report’s insinuations about India and expect the Canadian government to stop enabling illegal migration,” stated India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
