Canada Must Engage India to Counter Foreign Interference, Minister Anand Insists
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has declared that Canada cannot effectively address concerns about India's alleged involvement in violence and election interference without direct diplomatic engagement. Speaking during a trade mission in Mumbai, Anand faced intense questioning about ongoing security issues but maintained that dialogue is the only viable path forward.
Diplomatic Engagement as the Only Solution
Anand, who is in India to strengthen economic ties, argued that confronting transnational repression and foreign interference requires being "at the table" with other nations. She stated, "How are we going to actually address effectively issues of transnational repression and foreign interference? It's to be at the table and to have that conversation." The minister pushed back against suggestions that security concerns should prevent such engagement, emphasizing that presence is crucial for effective governance.
Refusal to Confirm or Deny Ongoing Violence
When repeatedly pressed by journalists to clarify whether violence linked to Indian government agents has ceased, Anand declined to provide a definitive answer. Instead, she highlighted measures Canada has already implemented, including designating the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity and expelling senior Indian diplomats in 2024. She asserted, "No country has a pass when it comes to Canadian public safety and security," underscoring the government's commitment to protective "guardrails" in foreign policy.
Contradictory Statements from Officials
The controversy stems partly from comments by a senior Canadian official before Prime Minister Mark Carney's trip, who claimed confidence that India's alleged interference activities were not continuing. This statement contrasts sharply with the 2025 Foreign Interference Commission report, which identified India as the "second most active country engaging in electoral foreign interference in Canada." Relations between the two nations deteriorated significantly in 2023 after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly linked Indian agents to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.
Indian Denials and Community Concerns
Indian High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh Patnaik firmly rejected allegations of interference, stating, "We don't do that in any country." He dismissed the notion of Indian involvement in violence as something that "never happened," suggesting recent diplomatic meetings have clarified misunderstandings. However, advocates within Canada's Sikh community warn that Carney's trade-focused visit sends a troubling message to pro-Khalistan activists who remain fearful. Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal, representing the riding where Nijjar was killed, has criticized the senior official's remarks and called for a review of their role.
Balancing Security and Diplomacy
Anand acknowledged the serious concerns of the Sikh community, stating she shares their apprehensions and will continue raising them in discussions with Indian diplomats. As Prime Minister Carney promotes business relationships in India, domestic security tensions persist, highlighting the delicate balance between economic interests and national safety. The minister's insistence on engagement reflects a strategic approach to foreign policy, where dialogue is prioritized even amid unresolved allegations and community distrust.
