Draft:Indian Interference in Canadian Elections

  • Comment: it is a diplomatic allegation event as of now, with not much coverage or proof beyond noticing it as allegations between two countries. You can place it briefly at R&AW in Canada. User4edits (talk) 17:12, 5 February 2024 (UTC)
  • Comment: I would suggest a move to Allegations of Indian interference in Canadian elections. The current draft title suggests that the allegations are proven, of which they are not. 92.40.212.155 (talk) 15:16, 5 February 2024 (UTC)

Allegations of Indian interference in Canadian federal elections have emerged in recent years.[1] In 2019, a Canadian parliamentary committee investigating foreign interference in elections heard testimony from witnesses who alleged that India had attempted to influence the outcome of the 2015 election.[2][3][4] The committee's report, released in 2020, did not make any findings on whether or not India had interfered in the election, but it did recommend that the government take steps to strengthen Canada's electoral system against foreign interference.[5][6][7][8]

Background edit

In 2021, a Canadian intelligence report was declassified that alleged that India and China had engaged in foreign interference in Canadian elections.[9] The report cited a number of activities, including attempts to influence voters, disrupt the electoral process, and spread disinformation. The Indian government denied the allegations, calling them "baseless and mischievous."[10][11]

The Canadian government has taken a number of steps to address the issue of foreign interference in elections.[12] In 2019, it passed the Elections Modernization Act, which gave Elections Canada new powers to investigate and prosecute illegal foreign interference. The government has also increased funding for Elections in Canada and launched a public awareness campaign about the dangers of foreign interference.[13][14]

Reactions edit

The Indian government vehemently denied the allegations, calling them "baseless and mischievous."[15] They requested further information and evidence from the Canadian government.Opposition parties criticized the government for not doing enough to protect elections from foreign interference. The ruling party defended its efforts and emphasized the need for further action. Canadian media extensively covered the report, highlighting the potential threat of foreign interference and urging more transparency and accountability. The US State Department hasn't issued any official statements specifically addressing the Canadian intelligence report or accusations against India. [16]

In general, the US has expressed concerns about foreign interference in elections globally, calling for stronger safeguards and international cooperation to combat it. However, these pronouncements haven't explicitly mentioned Canada or named specific countries like India.[17][18]

References edit

  1. ^ https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/commission-seeks-information-india-canada-foreign-interference-probe-2024-01-24/
  2. ^ "Canada intelligence report claims India involved in election interference". Independent.co.uk. 2 February 2024.
  3. ^ "India interfering in Canadian elections, claims intelligence report". 2 February 2024.
  4. ^ "Did spies from China, India and Russia meddle in Canada's elections?". The Economist.
  5. ^ "Why is Canada so vulnerable to foreign meddling?". 28 January 2024.
  6. ^ https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/09/22/canada-india-china-foreign-interference/
  7. ^ "India to be included in foreign-interference inquiry into federal elections". The Globe and Mail. 24 January 2024.
  8. ^ https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-01-24/commission-seeks-information-on-india-in-canada-foreign-interference-probe
  9. ^ "The revelations and events that led to the foreign-interference inquiry". The Globe and Mail. 28 January 2024.
  10. ^ "India meddled in elections, is a 'foreign threat', alleges Canadian intel report".
  11. ^ "Canadian Intelligence Said India Involved in 'Foreign Interference' Activities: Report".
  12. ^ "Public inquiry into foreign interference in elections should target Big Oil".
  13. ^ "Consolidated federal laws of canada, Elections Modernization Act". 12 February 2020.
  14. ^ "Government of Canada passes Elections Modernization Act". 14 December 2018.
  15. ^ "'Attempts to Shift Focus': MEA Slams Trudeau's Interference Claims, Tells Canada to Act on Anti-India Elements". 19 September 2023.
  16. ^ Bhattacherjee, Kallol (20 October 2023). "Did not violate diplomatic norms, India tells Canada". The Hindu.
  17. ^ https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/09/20/canada-india-trudeau-modi-assassination/
  18. ^ "Canada's Intelligence agency report flags India as 'foreign threat'". 3 February 2024.