“Canada Labels India a Cyber Threat Amid Rising Diplomatic Tensions in 2025 Report”
Amid an escalating diplomatic rift, Canada has once again taken steps that could deepen the fissures in its relations with India. The Canadian government has issued a report that places India in the same adversarial category as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. According to this document, following the onset of diplomatic friction, a pro-India hacktivist group has been accused of launching cyberattacks against Canadian online platforms. For the first time, India has been labeled “adversarial” in Canada’s National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026, a publication from the country’s Cyber Security Center.
India has consistently dismissed these accusations, branding them as unfounded.
This report surfaces at a critical juncture, as ties between the two nations have already frayed, largely due to Ottawa’s repeated allegations that New Delhi is orchestrating campaigns against Sikh separatists on Canadian soil. India has vehemently rejected these charges, terming them ridiculous. Both nations have recalled their ambassadors, a diplomatic move signaling the deepening animosity. In this climate of strained relations, Canada’s decision to place India alongside nations such as China and Russia could further exacerbate tensions.
The potential for cyber operations against Canadian governmental systems is noted.
With specific reference to India, the report asserts, “Our analysis suggests that entities backed by the Indian government might engage in cyber espionage activities targeting Canadian governmental infrastructure. We believe that deteriorating official bilateral ties between Canada and India could encourage state-sponsored cyber operations by the Indian government against Canada.” Caroline Xavier, the head of Canada’s Communications Security Establishment, remarked in a recent press briefing, “It is clear that India is now being recognized as a burgeoning cyber threat actor.”
A hacktivist group reportedly launched cyberattacks on Canadian sites.
The report further alleges that a hacktivist group, purportedly with links to India, initiated cyberattacks on Canadian websites following the diplomatic standoff that began last year. It states that these diplomatic tensions have also sparked hacktivist activities. After Canada accused India of involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen, a pro-India hacktivist group claimed responsibility for orchestrating DDoS attacks against Canadian websites, including the public website of the Canadian Armed Forces.
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