Toronto/Ottawa, 1 November 2024: Canada has escalated its accusations against India, now alleging that Indian cyber technology is being used to track and monitor separatist activists abroad.
The claim, announced by Canada’s Communications Security Establishment (CSE), adds to the recent tension between the two nations.
“It is clear that we are seeing India being an emerging [cyber] threat actor,” CSE Chief Caroline Xavier stated at a news conference, referring to alleged cyber activities against Canadian targets.
The latest allegations follow Canada’s earlier charge that India was involved in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023.
According to CSE, India has intensified cyber attacks against Canadian government networks, and “a pro-India hacktivist group” launched a series of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, targeting several Canadian websites, including the Canadian military’s public site.
DDoS attacks overwhelm systems with internet traffic, rendering them inaccessible to legitimate users.
Canadian officials have also reported a broader campaign targeting Khalistan activists, suggesting that cyber activities are part of a larger strategy.
Testifying before the House of Commons’ public safety and national security committee, a senior Canadian official acknowledged leaking intelligence to a U.S. media outlet and implicated Union Home Minister Amit Shah in authorizing the separatist’s killing and pressuring Canada’s Sikh community.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and national police have pointed to “clear indications” of India’s involvement, citing an alleged network of intimidation, violence, and threats aimed at Khalistan activists on Canadian soil.
