26 February 2025: - Canadian authorities have accused Ankit Srivastava, vice-chair of India’s Srivastava Group, of engaging in a disinformation and foreign interference campaign aimed at influencing political discourse in Canada, particularly concerning the Sikh community and the Khalistan movement.

According to reports, Srivastava was allegedly working on behalf of India’s intelligence agencies to shape Canadian public opinion and policy in favor of Indian government interests. His alleged activities included providing financial support to politicians and leveraging media networks to spread pro-India narratives. A key focus of this campaign was to counter growing support for the Khalistan movement, which advocates for an independent Sikh state.

Authorities claim that Srivastava’s organization was involved in creating fake news websites to disseminate content critical of Pakistan while portraying India in a positive light. The campaign reportedly sought to undermine Sikh separatist advocacy in Canada, a topic that has been a source of diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

The allegations come at a time of heightened strain in India-Canada relations, particularly following the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan activist, in British Columbia. Canada has previously accused India of potential involvement in Nijjar’s assassination, leading to a diplomatic fallout.

The latest revelations add further complexity to the ongoing disputes, as Canada continues to investigate foreign interference within its borders. The accusations suggest a concerted effort to influence Canadian democracy and shape narratives surrounding Sikh activism, an issue that remains a sensitive topic in both nations.