Ottawa, March 24, 2025 – Canada’s spy agency has raised alarms over potential foreign interference in its upcoming general election on April 28, pointing fingers at India, China, Pakistan, and Russia. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) warned on Monday that these nations possess both the intent and capability to meddle, citing artificial intelligence as a potent tool amplifying their efforts.
The CSIS report, detailed by NDTV, underscores China and India as “likely” to interfere, with Russia and Pakistan also flagged for their potential. This follows Canada’s snap election call by new Prime Minister Mark Carney, amid trade tensions with the US under Donald Trump’s tariff threats. The agency didn’t specify methods but noted AI’s role in spreading disinformation, a growing global concern.
Canada’s history with foreign interference isn’t new—last year’s inquiry implicated China, Russia, and India in past polls (Al Jazeera, 2024). Relations with India have been particularly strained since 2023, when Ottawa linked Indian agents to the killing of Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India’s denial and subsequent diplomatic tit-for-tat have fueled mistrust. China’s economic leverage, Pakistan’s regional rivalry, and Russia’s geopolitical playbook add layers to the threat.