In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, the Justin Trudeau government in Canada has designated India as a “cyber adversary” in its recent National Cyber Threat Assessment. This report categorizes India alongside other nations viewed as hostile in terms of cybersecurity, prompting a strong backlash from India, which perceives this move as an attempt to undermine its global reputation.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, has vehemently dismissed Canada’s claims, arguing they are part of a broader strategy to damage India’s image. “We see this as another Canadian strategy to attack and malign India,” Jaiswal stated, emphasizing what he views as a pattern of unfounded allegations. He further claimed that “senior officials have openly confessed that Canada is seeking to manipulate global opinions against India.”
Conversely, Canada’s assessment presents a different narrative. The report acknowledges India’s ambitious cybersecurity goals, stating that “India’s leadership aspires to build a modernized cyber program with enhanced domestic capabilities.” It suggests that India utilizes its cyber initiatives for various national security aims, including espionage and counter-terrorism, while specifically alleging that “India’s cyber program likely leverages commercial cyber vendors to augment its operations.”
The report also raises alarms about potential cyber threats from India towards Canada, asserting that “Indian state-sponsored cyber threat actors likely engage in cyber activities against Government of Canada networks for espionage.” It links these threats to diplomatic relations, suggesting that “official bilateral relations between Canada and India will very likely influence Indian state-sponsored cyber threat activity against Canada.”
Furthermore, the report reflects a broader trend, noting that “countries aspiring to become new centers of power, like India, are developing cyber programs that pose varying levels of threat to Canada.” This highlights Canada’s concerns regarding India’s expanding global influence.
Amid these rising cyber tensions, India contends that the root of its issues with Canada lies in Canada’s tolerance of pro-Khalistan elements operating within its borders. This long-standing friction has led to India expelling six Canadian diplomats last month and withdrawing its high commissioner, Sanjay Verma, from Canada. India’s strong response indicates how seriously it takes the allegations and the activities of pro-Khalistan groups in Canada.
The latest round of accusations has significantly complicated the already delicate relationship between India and Canada. It remains uncertain how both nations will navigate this complex landscape and whether they can establish common ground to address their differences.