Kathmandu, Feb 4: The diplomatic strain between Canada and India has escalated as Canada’s top foreign intelligence agency alleges India’s involvement in possible interference in the country’s elections, according to a recently released report. This marks the first time India has been accused of such activities in Canada, adding a new layer to the ongoing tension.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has responded to the accusations by ordering a thorough investigation into the claims outlined in the intelligence report. Reports suggest that a panel in Canada has been appointed to probe India’s role in federal elections. The commission, tasked with investigating foreign interference in Canada’s federal elections of 2019 and 2021, has formally requested information from the government regarding India’s alleged involvement.

As reported by Canadian news website Global News, the intelligence agency, in its report, labeled India as a ‘threat of foreign interference’ and emphasized the need for the Canadian government to take further measures to safeguard the country’s democratic institutions and processes. The report warns of a potential deterioration in the situation if timely intervention does not occur.

This development follows Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statements in September of the previous year, where he spoke about India’s alleged role in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau mentioned that Canadian security agencies were actively investigating the purported connection between the Indian government and the murder of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar during a session in the Parliament of Canada.

The diplomatic tension between the two nations intensified after Canada expelled a senior Indian diplomat, accusing India of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Nijjar. In response, India ordered Canada’s top diplomat to leave the country within five days. Subsequently, India requested Canada to reduce the number of its diplomats, citing interference in internal affairs and an overabundance of Canadian diplomats. In retaliation, Canada recalled 41 additional diplomats stationed in India. The recent accusations of election interference have further strained diplomatic relations between the two countries, with the international community closely monitoring the unfolding situation.