In a significant development, Canada has officially categorized India as a “cyber adversary” for the first time in its National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026, released by the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. This designation places India alongside other nations, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, that are considered threats to Canadian cybersecurity.
Key Findings of the Report
The assessment outlines that Indian state-sponsored cyber actors are likely involved in cyber activities targeting Canadian government networks, primarily for espionage purposes. The report highlights, “We assess that Indian state-sponsored cyber threat actors likely conduct cyber threat activity against government of Canada networks for the purpose of espionage.” It further suggests that ongoing diplomatic tensions will likely exacerbate these cyber activities.
The document notes India’s ambitions to develop a modernized cyber program with enhanced domestic capabilities, asserting that the country likely employs its cyber resources to further national security goals, including espionage and counterterrorism efforts. Additionally, the report indicates that India’s cyber program may collaborate with commercial cyber vendors to bolster its operations.
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Escalating Diplomatic Tensions
This report emerges in the context of heightened diplomatic strife between Canada and India. Following accusations of Indian involvement in violent activities within Canada, India expelled six Canadian diplomats in mid-October, which was met with a reciprocal withdrawal of six Indian diplomats from Canada. The situation escalated further when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of violating Canadian sovereignty, specifically referencing credible allegations linking Indian agents to the murder of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, last year.
Trudeau’s statements before the foreign interference commission emphasized that while the government possessed intelligence, it lacked solid evidentiary proof to back up these serious allegations. This ambiguity has drawn criticism from India, which has dismissed the claims as “preposterous” and politically motivated, suggesting they are part of Trudeau’s strategy to appeal to domestic political interests.
The Broader Implications
The Canadian government has yet to present concrete evidence supporting its claims against India. However, it has indicated that more details will be revealed during upcoming trials involving various violent criminal incidents. The inclusion of India in the National Cyber Threat Assessment marks a notable shift in Canada’s approach to international cybersecurity threats, emphasizing the need for vigilance against state-sponsored cyber activities.
As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the implications of this assessment extend beyond cybersecurity, potentially affecting diplomatic relations, trade, and cooperation on global security issues. The situation remains fluid, with both nations navigating a complex web of accusations and counter-accusations.
This unprecedented labeling of India as a cyber adversary highlights the growing tensions between the two countries and raises important questions about the future of their diplomatic relations. As both nations address these challenges, the international community will be closely watching for developments in this ongoing saga.
