Safeguarding Canadian Democracy: Condemning Indian Foreign Interferences
June 9th, 2023
Justice For All Canada continues to condemn Indian foreign interference in Canada.
Recent instances of Indian foreign intrusion in Canadian politics and communities, as identified by Canada’s national security adviser, raise serious concerns about protecting democratic processes and human rights in Canada.
“In light of the Canadian government's own acknowledgment of India's prominent role in foreign interference, it is crucial for Canada to reflect on and align with its Indo-Pacific Strategy, which pledges to anticipate and counter threats, including foreign interference. As we uncover these new revelations, it’s incumbent that we demonstrate the integrity of our strategic vision by taking resolute action," said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director.
Human rights activists have long known about India’s foreign interference in Canada. For instance, a 2020 document obtained by Canadian media revealed that Indian intelligence agencies, such as the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the Indian Intelligence Bureau (IB), were suspected of attempting to covertly influence Canadian politicians. Additionally, a recent major Canadian study reported that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)—a nationalist paramilitary organization based in India--gained influence within Canada’s Indian diaspora, raising concerns about its supremacist ideology, and its connections to Canadian civil society organizations and lobby groups.
Justice For All Canada emphasizes the need to safeguard the integrity of Canadian democratic institutions. We call on the Canadian government to investigate and mitigate foreign interference activities, including those originating from India, China, Russia, Iran, and other state or non-state actors. The voices of all Canadian communities, including marginalized and vulnerable groups, must be protected from foreign manipulation to ensure they are shielded from transnational human rights violations and undue external influence.
Justice For All Canada continues to condemn Indian foreign interference in Canada.
Recent instances of Indian foreign intrusion in Canadian politics and communities, as identified by Canada’s national security adviser, raise serious concerns about protecting democratic processes and human rights in Canada.
“In light of the Canadian government's own acknowledgment of India's prominent role in foreign interference, it is crucial for Canada to reflect on and align with its Indo-Pacific Strategy, which pledges to anticipate and counter threats, including foreign interference. As we uncover these new revelations, it’s incumbent that we demonstrate the integrity of our strategic vision by taking resolute action," said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director.
Human rights activists have long known about India’s foreign interference in Canada. For instance, a 2020 document obtained by Canadian media revealed that Indian intelligence agencies, such as the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the Indian Intelligence Bureau (IB), were suspected of attempting to covertly influence Canadian politicians. Additionally, a recent major Canadian study reported that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)—a nationalist paramilitary organization based in India--gained influence within Canada’s Indian diaspora, raising concerns about its supremacist ideology, and its connections to Canadian civil society organizations and lobby groups.
Justice For All Canada emphasizes the need to safeguard the integrity of Canadian democratic institutions. We call on the Canadian government to investigate and mitigate foreign interference activities, including those originating from India, China, Russia, Iran, and other state or non-state actors. The voices of all Canadian communities, including marginalized and vulnerable groups, must be protected from foreign manipulation to ensure they are shielded from transnational human rights violations and undue external influence.