Canadian agency accuses India of using cyber technology to track Sikh dissidents

PTC News Desk: In a major escalation in already strained ties, Canada has now accused India of using cyber technology to track down separatists abroad. The recent accusation comes a day after Canadian official accused Union Home minister Amit Shah for authorising killing of Sikh separatist. 

As per a report, Canada's Communications Security Establishment (CSE) has claimed that India is using cyber capabilities "to track and surveil activists and dissidents living abroad" as well as stepping up cyber attacks against Canadian government networks. "It is clear that we are seeing India being an emerging (cyber) threat actor," CSE Chief Caroline Xavier told a news conference.

These allegations follow Ottawa's accusation on India for Orchestrating the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. The report notes that after Canada's accusations, "a pro-India hacktivist group" launched crippling DDoS attacks -- flooding a system with online traffic to make it inaccessible to legitimate users -- against Canadian websites including the military's public site.

Officials also revealed that Ottawa has found a campaign targeting Khalistan activists. Earlier a top Canadian official while testifying before  House of Commons public safety and national security committee, confirmed leaking intel to US media outlet and blamed Amit Shah for authorising the killing of Sikh separatist and intimidate Canadian Sikhs. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the national police have said there are "clear indications" of India's involvement in the murder, as well as a broad campaign of intimidation, violence and other threats against Khalistan activists.