India has strongly dismissed the findings of Canada's Foreign Interference Commission, which identified India as the "second most active country" allegedly meddling in Canadian elections. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday rejected the claims, stating that it is, in fact, Canada that has been interfering in India's internal matters.

The report, led by Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue, alleges that India, like China, engages in political interference through diplomatic officials and proxy agents, including illicit financial support for pro-India candidates. India has called the accusations baseless and politically motivated, highlighting Canada’s long-standing support for anti-India elements, including Khalistani separatists.

This fresh dispute comes amid already strained India-Canada ties following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's statement in September 2023, accusing India of involvement in the killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India categorically denied the allegations, calling them “absurd,” leading to diplomatic expulsions and a severe deterioration in bilateral relations.

The MEA further accused Canada of fostering an environment conducive to illegal migration and organized crime, worsening security concerns. The report also named China, Russia, Pakistan, and Iran as key foreign interference threats, with India listed just behind China.

With diplomatic tensions escalating, experts believe this could further impact trade, immigration, and security cooperation between the two nations. India has urged Canada to stop supporting activities that threaten its sovereignty, emphasizing that such allegations only deepen mistrust.

As India-Canada relations continue to spiral downward, the global diplomatic community watches closely to see how this standoff unfolds.