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The diplomatic rift between India and Canada has deepened with Canada's latest cyber security report labeling India as a 'cyber adversary,' a move that has been met with strong condemnation from New Delhi. The report, titled 'National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026', published by the Canadian government, claims that India's cyber program is used to advance its national security interests, including espionage, counter-terrorism, and promoting its global status. The report further alleges that Indian state-sponsored cyber actors target Canadian government networks for espionage purposes, driven by bilateral relations between the two countries.
India has vehemently rejected these accusations, calling them a 'Canadian strategy to attack and malign India internationally.' The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that these allegations are made without evidence and are part of a broader Canadian agenda to manipulate global opinion against India. The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, highlighted that Canadian officials have openly admitted to seeking to influence international perceptions against India. India's frustration with Canada's actions stems from a perceived pattern of hostility and attempts to undermine India's image on the global stage.
Further adding to the tensions, India has lodged a formal protest with Canada over the alleged surveillance of Indian diplomatic personnel in Canada. The MEA revealed that Indian officials have been informed by the Canadian government of being subjected to audio and visual surveillance, including interception of their communications. India considers this a blatant violation of diplomatic and consular conventions, arguing that the Canadian government's justification based on technicalities does not excuse the harassment and intimidation of Indian officials. The MEA emphasizes that Indian diplomats already operate in a challenging environment, and these actions by Canada further escalate the situation.
The current diplomatic standoff between India and Canada is rooted in a complex interplay of factors, including the rise of Khalistani separatist movements in Canada, India's concerns about the Canadian government's alleged support for these groups, and the broader geopolitical shifts in the Indo-Pacific region. The Canadian government's actions have further fueled these tensions, leading to a significant deterioration in bilateral relations. The future of India-Canada relations hinges on the ability of both countries to de-escalate the situation and address the underlying issues with a focus on dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to established diplomatic norms.
Source: India A "Cyber Adversary", Says Trudeau Government, New Delhi Shreds Claim