India takes centre stage ahead of Canada’s federal elections on April 28

With federal elections in Canada scheduled for April 28, the intersection of domestic politics and Indian influence is once again at the forefront. Recent controversies surrounding Chandra Arya, an Indian-origin MP from Nepean, and Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre highlight the complex dynamics of Canada’s relations with India, diaspora politics, and national security concerns.

Chandra Arya’s political trajectory has been notably turbulent in 2025. After announcing his candidacy for the Liberal Party leadership following Justin Trudeau’s decision to step down, Arya faced rejection from the party’s election committee. Citing Section 4(c)iii of the Liberal Party’s national leadership rules, the committee deemed him “manifestly unfit for the office of Leader of the Party.” Though specific reasons were not disclosed, speculations pointed towards his outspoken stance against Khalistani extremism, and his perceived connections with India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Arya’s subsequent removal from candidacy for re-election in Nepean further fuelled debates about the party’s internal policies and its handling of sensitive international affiliations.

Arya, who has represented the Nepean riding in Ottawa since 2015, suffered another setback earlier this month when his nomination to re-run from the riding was revoked. He shared this information on social media along with the letter he had received from the Liberal Party’s national campaign director, Andrew Bevan. While the party has again given no explanation for rejecting his re-run, it has been widely speculated that this time around, too, he has been ‘axed’ for his alleged ties with India and his vocal stand against Khalistani sympathisers. This has been reported by several local newspapers though Arya, in a statement to The Globe and Mail firmly denied any improper influence from India or a special relationship with the Modi government.

To quote Arya, “As an MP, I have engaged with numerous diplomats and heads of government, both in Canada and internationally. Not once have I sought – nor been required to seek – permission from the government to do so.” He also maintained that no federal government official had raised concerns about his meeting with Modi in August 2024. He termed his meeting with Modi as “personal”.

Arya attributed the Liberal Party’s decisions to his outspoken stance against Sikh Khalistani extremism and his advocacy for Hindu-Canadian issues, rather than to his ties to India. “The sole point of contention with the Liberal Party has been my outspoken advocacy on issues important to Hindu Canadians, and my firm stance against Khalistani extremism,” he said.

In parallel developments, Conservative Party leader Poilievre is also once again feeling the heat because of allegations of Indian interference in his election as the party leader. Though these allegations had first surfaced last year, they are back in the news ahead of the approaching elections. According to reports in the Canadian media, Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) found that “Indian agents and their proxies” were involved in raising money and organising support within the community for Poilievre’s campaign. It was also alleged that Indian agents had attempted to undermine Poilievre’s rival, Patrick Brown, who was disqualified from the race in July 2022 over alleged financial irregularities.

On his part, Poilievre has maintained that he won the leadership “fair and square”. Only a day ago, he reiterated his stance as questions were raised on his refusal to obtain a national security clearance. The clearance prevents CSIS from briefing him directly on the interference allegations. Poilievre has defended his decision on grounds that the security clearance would limit his ability to speak freely and hold the government accountable on various issues.

These two controversies underscore the delicate balance between domestic politics and international influences, particularly Canada’s relations with India. The allegations and political manoeuvrings not only highlight the complexities of diaspora dynamics and national security but also raise significant questions about party transparency and accountability. The ball eventually falls in the court of the voters, who will play a critical role in determining how these issues shape Canada’s political landscape and its approach to foreign relations in general and India in particular in the years to come.

Diaspora