New Delhi, May 7 — Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday rejected Canadian claims that India carried out espionage on Canadian soil, calling the allegations baseless and saying such matters should be addressed through established diplomatic and legal channels. He stressed that India, as a democracy, follows international norms, respects other countries’ sovereignty and does not pursue a policy of interfering in internal affairs.
Speaking at a press briefing, Jaiswal urged that these issues not be politicized or played out in public narratives. He pointed to concerns India has repeatedly raised about elements in Canada that promote violence against India and misuse democratic freedoms and institutions to advance extremist agendas and raise funds diverted to violent activities.
Jaiswal referenced the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) 2025 assessment, which acknowledges supporters of the Khalistan separatist movement in Canada and warns that Canada-based extremist groups pose security threats to both India and Canada. He said India has urged Canadian authorities to take action against anti-India elements operating from Canadian territory, citing incidents such as glorification of violence, threats against diplomats and leaders, vandalism of places of worship, and efforts to promote secessionism via so-called referendums.
The CSIS report, tabled in the Canadian Parliament on May 2, stated that Canada-based Khalistani elements continue to promote a violent extremist agenda. It also assessed that states including China, Russia and India — among others — sought to interfere in Canada’s internal politics through espionage and other means. CSIS noted that 2025 marked the 40th anniversary of the bombing of Air India Flight 182, the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history, and said there were no CBKE-related attacks in Canada in 2025.
CSIS further identified the People’s Republic of China, India, the Russian Federation, Iran and Pakistan as primary perpetrators of foreign interference and espionage against Canada in 2025, and warned that an increasingly multipolar world could prompt other states to seek influence or interference as well.
This account is based on reporting from ANI.
