Canada Accuses Indian Businessman of Interference, Tightens Visa Rules

Indian businessman Ankit Srivastava and his family-run Srivastava Group stand accused by Canadian authorities of covert interference, allegedly fabricating pro-India news sites targeting Canada’s public discourse. Canadian Court filings indicate that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service believes Srivastava was tasked by Indian intelligence to influence Canadian politicians via funding and propaganda. Srivastava denied wrongdoing, pointing to journalistic activities with the India-based English newspaper New Delhi Times. His immigration applications have twice been returned for reassessment, with federal judges finding insufficient evidence linking him to a sibling’s firm, which was described as ‘selling information warfare tools that can be used to disrupt critical infrastructure and steal government and military secrets.’ Canadian immigration authorities deemed Srivastava a security risk. Meanwhile, Ottawa’s latest immigration regulations, which took effect on 31 Jan, grant border officials broader authority to cancel visas such as Electronic Travel Authorization, Temporary Resident Visa, work permits, and study permits. These rules can affect thousands of Indians, including Panjabis, who study or work in Canada. Indian applicants face uncertainty because a rejected or revoked permit can result in immediate loss of residency status, financial hardship, or enforced departure. The policy change follows Canada’s discontinuation of the Student Direct Stream in late 2024. Tighter rules have led to plummeting demand for language coaching and visa consultancy in Panjab where numerous International English Language Testing System (IELTS) institutes and immigration businesses have either scaled down or closed down. Owners report losing up to 60% of their clientele. 'At one time, we thought we had opened an IELTS institute, and our careers were settled for life, but one stroke of the Canadian visa issue and the bleak scenario being painted by various govts. like the US, and all has come down crashing like a pack of cards,' said an institute owner in Shastri Nagar, Ludhiana.