New Delhi, Apr 06 (ANI): Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal speaks during an Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia at National Media Centre, in New Delhi on Monday. (ANI Photo/Naveen Sharma)
NEW DELHI, May 7 (ANI): India on Thursday rejected allegations made in a Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) report accusing New Delhi of espionage and foreign interference in Canada, calling the claims “baseless.”
Addressing a press briefing in the national capital, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said concerns of this nature should be addressed through established mechanisms rather than public narratives.
“Regarding the CSIS report, India’s position has been clear and consistent. We categorically reject such baseless imputations. India is a democracy that adheres to international norms and respects the sovereignty of other nations. It is not our policy to interfere in the issues of other countries,” Jaiswal said.
“We believe that any concerns of this nature should be addressed through established mechanisms rather than through politicized or public narratives,” he added.
Jaiswal also reiterated India’s concerns over the alleged use of Canadian soil by extremist and separatist groups promoting violence against India.
“On the mention of Canada being used by certain groups to promote violence against India, we have consistently spoken out about concerns regarding the use of Canadian territory as a safe haven by extremists and separatists,” he said.
The MEA spokesperson noted that the CSIS assessment itself acknowledged the presence of Khalistan supporters in Canada and highlighted concerns about extremist activities.
“The CSIS assessment acknowledges the presence of supporters of the Khalistan separatist movement in Canada and notes that Canada-based extremist groups continue to pose a national security threat not only to India but also to Canada,” Jaiswal said.
“It further highlights that such elements misuse democratic freedoms and institutions to promote extremism and raise funds that are diverted toward violent activities,” he added.
Jaiswal said India has repeatedly urged Canadian authorities to take action against anti-India elements operating from Canadian territory.
“This includes addressing the glorification of violence, threats against diplomats and leaders, vandalism of places of worship, and attempts to promote secessionism through so-called referendums,” he said.
The CSIS report for 2025, tabled in the Canadian Parliament on May 2, stated that activities of Canada-based Khalistani extremist groups continue to promote a violent extremist agenda.
The report also alleged that China, Russia, India, Iran, and Pakistan had sought to interfere in Canadian politics through espionage and foreign influence activities.
Referring to the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing, the report stated, “This past year marked the 40th anniversary of the bombing of Air India Flight 182, whose suspects were members of Canada-based Khalistani extremist groups. It remains to this day the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history, with 329 people killed, most of them Canadians.”
The Air India bombing remains the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history. (ANI)
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