Canada’s spy agency claims that India is using cyber technology to monitor separatists abroad, following accusations from the Indian government that senior Indian officials authorized violent acts, including the killing of a Sikh activist in Vancouver.
The Canada Communications Security Establishment (CSE) reported that India is utilizing cyber capabilities to surveil activists and dissidents living overseas, including increasing cyberattacks on Canadian government networks.
Canada is home to a large Sikh community outside of India, which includes advocates for an independent Sikh nation.
Ottawa is currently investigating the case of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and prominent campaigner for Khalistan, a separatist movement seeking independence for Sikhs in India’s Punjab province. The murder of Nijjar in Vancouver in 2023 is believed to have been orchestrated by India.
CSE Commissioner Caroline Xavier stated, “India poses a growing cyber threat to Canada,” during a press conference.
The report attributes the strain in Canada-India relations to India’s surveillance activities and cyberattacks.
Following Canada’s accusations, a pro-Indian hacktivist group launched DDoS attacks on Canadian websites, disrupting their operations.
Officials revealed that Canada was monitoring a campaign targeting Khalistani activists, linking it to senior Indian government officials, including Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah.
Canadian Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed Shah’s involvement in intelligence gathering and violent attacks, including Nijjar’s murder in 2023.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the national police suspect India’s involvement in the killing and other forms of intimidation against Khalistani activists.
India denied the allegations, leading to the expulsion of ambassadors and diplomats between Delhi and Ottawa.
Four Indian nationals have been arrested in connection with Nijjar’s murder.
Source: www.theguardian.com
