Ottawa: Canada’s intelligence agency has issued a significant warning to India, claiming that India is using cyber technology to track Khalistani activists abroad. This comes a day after an allegation was made implicating a top Indian official in the murder of a Sikh in Vancouver. Canada’s Communications Security Establishment (CSE) reported that India is leveraging cyber capabilities to monitor and locate Khalistani supporters overseas. The report also mentions cyber attacks on Canadian government networks.
CSE Chief Caroline Xavier stated in a news conference, “It’s clear we view India as an emerging cyber threat.” The report holds recent tensions between Canada and India responsible for this activity. Following Canada’s allegations, a pro-India hacktivist group launched DDoS attacks, significantly increasing online traffic and disrupting users’ access, targeting multiple Canadian websites, including a public military site.
On Tuesday, officials revealed that Ottawa had uncovered a large-scale campaign by the Modi government aimed at targeting Khalistani activists in Canada. In testimony before the House of Commons’ Public Safety and National Security Committee, Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison confirmed a report from the Washington Post that alleges Indian Home Minister Amit Shah authorized a campaign involving intelligence collection and attacks, which reportedly includes the 2023 killing of Nijjar.
Canada’s Deputy Foreign Minister Morrison confirmed receiving questions from a journalist, who inquired about the identity of the person involved, and verified the information. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and national police have said they see clear indications of India’s involvement in the killing, along with a broader campaign against Khalistani activists involving threats, violence, and intimidation.
India has denied these allegations. In a diplomatic escalation, Ottawa and New Delhi recently expelled each other’s ambassadors and senior diplomats. Four Indian citizens have been arrested in connection with the killing.
Canada is home to a large Sikh community, including Khalistani supporters advocating for an independent Sikh state. Canada has already accused India of involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Khalistani leader, who was killed in Vancouver in 2023.