Ottawa Watch |

The Modi Doctrine Abroad: How Far Will India Go?

More than a month after Canada’s Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference (PIFI) Report was released on January 28, 2025, the findings continue to send shockwaves through global diplomatic circles. 

The report explicitly names India as a key player in foreign interference, political meddling, and transnational repression—a revelation that challenges the narrative of India as a benign global actor.

The Stakes: Key Findings from the PIFI Report
🔹 India Labeled a ‘Moderate to High’ Threat
For the first time, a major Western democracy has classified India as a “moderate to high” threat—an alarming designation usually reserved for authoritarian regimes. This signals a shift in intelligence assessments of India’s covert activities abroad.

🔹 Crackdown on Sikh Activists & Pro-Khalistan Movement
Indian intelligence agencies, operating through diplomatic networks, have spied on, intimidated, and influenced Sikh activists and pro-Khalistan supporters in Canada. The report details how India has attempted to reshape public discourse, pressure policymakers, and silence dissent.

🔹 Election Interference & Policy Manipulation
The Modi government is accused of leveraging economic influence, lobbying efforts, and disinformation campaigns to sway political narratives in Canada—undermining its democratic integrity.

🔹 Transnational Repression Extends to the UK & US
Beyond Canada, the report highlights similar influence campaigns in the UK and the US, where India has used diaspora networks to push Hindutva narratives while suppressing opposing voices.

🔹 Weaponizing the Indian Diaspora
Under the Modi Doctrine, New Delhi has systematically mobilized diaspora communities to advance its foreign policy, applying diplomatic pressure, economic coercion, and media influence to achieve its geopolitical objectives.

What’s at Stake?
With these revelations, Canada and its allies face urgent questions: Will there be diplomatic consequences? Sanctions? Increased intelligence-sharing to counter foreign influence?

The PIFI Report makes it clear—this is no longer just about Canada. India’s growing interference has raised alarms across Western democracies, setting a dangerous precedent for global politics.

📢 Your thoughts? Is it time for Western democracies to take a tougher stance against India’s foreign influence?