A newly releasedreportby a Canadian commission has stated that “no definitive link” to a “foreign state” has been “proven” in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This finding contradicts outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus earlier claims that India was involved in Nijjars assassination, a charge that had significantly strained diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The report was part of a broader investigation led by Justice Marie-Jose Hogue, who spearheaded the public inquiry into foreign interference in Canadas democratic institutions and electoral process. Over 16 months, Hogue examined foreign actors influence in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections, gathering evidence from more than 150 witnesses. Her findings highlight various concerns, including misinformation and transnational repression, but do not substantiate Trudeaus allegations regarding Indias role in Nijjars death.

Key Findings of the Report

Hogues seven-volume report underscores the significant risks posed by misinformation and disinformation in Canadas media landscape and social networks. She warned that such manipulation is “the single biggest risk to our democracy,” labeling it an “existential threat.” The report also draws attention to the issue of transnational repression, where foreign states monitor, intimidate, and harass immigrant communities in Canada to serve their national interests.

She urged the government to take immediate measures to combat these threats.

Foreign Interference and Political Implications

The report also analyzed the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) findings, which alleged that some Canadian politicians had “semi-wittingly” or “wittingly” facilitated foreign interference. While the NSICOP report did not name individuals, its assertions cast a “cloud of suspicion over all parliamentarians” and contributed to a decline in public trust in democratic institutions.

Hogue noted flaws in Canadas intelligence-sharing mechanisms, stating that crucial information regarding foreign interference often failed to reach key decision-makers, including ministers and the prime minister. She described the previous system as inadequate but acknowledged that recent reforms might be more effective.

India Rejects Reports Claims on Electoral Interference

The commissions report also identified India as the “second most active” country in alleged electoral foreign interference in Canada, following China. Like the PRC (Peoples Republic of China), India conducts foreign interference through diplomatic officials in Canada and through proxies, Hogue wrote.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India swiftly rejected these claims, turning the accusation back on Canada. In a strongly worded statement, the MEA stated:

We have seen a report about alleged activities on purported interference. It is in fact Canada which has been consistently interfering in Indias internal affairs. This has also created an environment for illegal migration and organized criminal activities.

The report suggested that proxy agents may have been clandestinely providing illicit financial support to Canadian politicians to influence elections in favor of pro-India candidates. However, Hogue clarified that intelligence findings did not necessarily indicate that the politicians involved were aware of or complicit in these efforts.

A body of intelligence indicates that proxy agents may have, and may continue to be, clandestinely providing illicit financial support to various Canadian politicians in an attempt to secure the election of pro-India candidates or gain influence over candidates who take office. The intelligence does not necessarily indicate that the elected officials or candidates involved were aware of the interference attempts, or that the attempts necessarily succeeded, she said in the report.

Strained India-Canada Relations

Tensions between India and Canada have been high since Trudeaus 2023 allegations of Indian involvement in Nijjars killing. The latest findings further complicate relations, as they cast doubt on Trudeaus accusations while simultaneously implicating India in alleged electoral interference.

India has long maintained that Canada harbors Khalistani extremists and has allowed anti-India elements to flourish under the guise of political freedoms. Meanwhile, Canada has continued to criticize India for alleged human rights violations against Sikh activists, further straining bilateral ties.