The political future of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hangs in balance, clouded with uncertainty. Facing opposition within his own party, there are calls for him to step down as leader of the Liberal Party. With an election looming, Trudeau is seeking to secure the support of Sikh voters, strategies that might include his tense relationship with India.
Just last week, Trudeau appeared before a committee investigating foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 Canadian elections, facing accusations of efforts by foreign powers to influence the outcomes. The Liberal Party of Canada, under Trudeau's leadership, won both of these elections.
Despite the magnitude of Trudeau's allegations, the elections did not show evidence of such influence, and foreign interference claims have so far been unfounded. Initial reports indicate this, though a comprehensive report is anticipated by the year's end.
Election tensions, strained India relations
Trudeau's claims have driven Canada-India relations to a nadir. He accused Indian diplomats of being "people of interest" in the investigation of the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In retaliation, India expelled the Canadian High Commissioner and six other diplomats.
Regarding allegations of interference, the Canadian Foreign Interference Commission earlier listed China, Russia, Iran, India, and Pakistan as nations attempting to meddle in the 2019 and 2021 elections. While China was labeled as the "primary offender," the Liberal Party under Trudeau won both elections.
Errors in investigating election interference
Initially resisting the formation of a commission to investigate foreign interference, Trudeau was ultimately pushed to establish an inquiry due to persistent signals of evidence and a series of media leaks by Canadian intelligence. The inquiry revealed attempts by Trudeau and senior officials to suppress intelligence and diaspora reports.
Threat from China, but India targeted
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) informed the foreign interference commission about China's "covert and deceitful" actions in the 2019 and 2021 elections. Despite China being the largest threat, the report alleged interference attempts by Indian "agents" in select constituencies.
With China restless, pressure mounts on Trudeau's government. As he appeared before the foreign interference commission, questions arose about whether new accusations against India over the Khalistani terrorist's murder were a diversion. Could this be a ploy to scapegoat India and shield China?
