A Canadian parliamentary panel has identified India as the second most significant foreign interference threat to Canada’s democracy after China. The report highlights that India’s interference efforts have increased and now extend beyond countering pro-Khalistan elements in Canada, targeting Canadian politicians, ethnic media, and Indo-Canadian communities. The report also suggests that some Canadian MPs may have been influenced by foreign countries, including India.
Beijing’s top diplomat in London has cautioned that the UK’s recent actions, including accusations of espionage and assisting Hong Kong’s intelligence service, are straining relations between the two countries. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office summoned Ambassador Zheng Zeguang after three individuals were charged with supporting Hong Kong’s intelligence agency, conveying that this behavior is unacceptable. Zheng, in turn, expressed concerns over the UK’s allegations against the Hong Kong government and China, and urged them to cease their anti-China stance. The summons further exacerbates the tensions between London and Beijing, who have been critical of each other’s actions in Hong Kong.
Canada’s House of Commons has unanimously passed a motion expressing concern about foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs, including credible allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The motion was proposed by Indo-Canadian MP Sukh Dhaliwal and supported by several MPs, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the leader of the Conservative Party. The motion calls on the government to protect Canadian citizens from foreign intimidation and interference and to investigate any allegations of wrongdoing. It follows previous statements made by Trudeau suggesting a potential link between Indian agents and Nijjar’s murder, which have strained bilateral relations between Canada and India.
Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has restated allegations that Indian agents were involved in the murder of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This comes amidst India’s concerns about threats to its territorial integrity posed by Canadian citizens. India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa has expressed concern over pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canada and has described such threats as a “red line.” However, Canada has reiterated its commitment to protecting its citizens and investigating criminal activity, while respecting the right of Canadians to express their views peacefully.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has denounced violence and discrimination against Canadians, underscoring their fundamental right to live in safety. This statement came in response to the arrest of three individuals linked to the murder of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year. The arrests have sparked tensions between Canada and India, with the latter calling it an internal issue. However, Canada has asserted its commitment to solving the case and protecting its citizens. While initial reports hinted at Indian involvement, Indian authorities have denied any interference in Canada’s affairs.
France has called on social media platforms to heighten their vigilance against online disinformation in the lead-up to the European Parliament elections in June. Minister for Europe Jean-Noel Barrot expressed concerns about potential voter abstention and foreign interference, particularly from Russia, and urged the European Commission to assist in holding platforms accountable. The government has launched a media campaign to encourage voter turnout, while a new agency, VIGINUM, has been established to detect disinformation.
Two former employees of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a Montreal-based United Nations agency, have been charged with conspiring to illegally sell Chinese drones and other military equipment to Libya in violation of international sanctions. Fathi Ben Ahmed Mhaouek, 61, and Mahmud Mohamed Elsuwaye Sayeh, 37, have been charged under the United Nations Act and Regulations relating to the implementation of United Nations resolutions and special economic measures on Libya. Mhaouek was arrested and is scheduled to appear in Quebec Court in Montreal, while Sayeh is still wanted and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. The RCMP alleges that the two men used foreign front companies to circumvent existing international sanctions to facilitate their illegal activities, which included facilitating purchases of Libyan oil between prohibited entities and the People’s Republic of China.
The European Parliament is reeling from fresh allegations of espionage, with members expressing shock and anger over the arrest of an assistant to an MEP accused of working for the Chinese secret service. This incident follows revelations of a separate scandal involving payments from a pro-Russian interference network to several lawmakers. The Parliament’s president is willing to waive immunity for those under suspicion but has called for more information from law enforcement. Amidst these allegations, members have called for an internal probe and condemned the alleged foreign interference.
