Canada Confirms Presence of Khalistani Extremists Operating Against India

In a significant development that could reshape Indo-Canadian diplomatic dynamics, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has officially acknowledged the presence of Khalistani extremists operating from Canadian soil. This admission—coming for the first time in such clear terms—confirms long-standing Indian concerns about separatist elements using Canada as a safe haven to propagate anti-India violence and ideology.

Canadian intelligence agency CSIS admits Khalistani extremists are using its soil to promote, fund, or plan violence in India.(AFP File) | Hindustan Times

CSIS Report Breaks Silence on Khalistani Extremism

The recent CSIS annual report revealed that a small group of individuals espousing Khalistani ideology are not only active in Canada but are engaged in promoting, funding, and planning violence, primarily directed at India. The intelligence agency identified this as part of what it classifies as "politically motivated violent extremism" (PMVE), a category that includes those who seek to alter political structures through violent means.

According to the report, these extremist activities are not a new phenomenon. They trace their origins back to the 1980s, when the Khalistan movement gained global traction among certain Sikh diaspora groups. CSIS stated that while no violent attacks linked to Khalistani groups took place on Canadian soil in 2024, these groups continue to raise funds, propagate separatist propaganda, and plan activities that have direct implications for Indian national security.

A Shift in Language: From Advocacy to Extremism

What makes this report particularly significant is the language used by Canada’s intelligence service. For the first time, CSIS explicitly labeled Khalistani actors as “extremists,” distinguishing them from individuals engaged in peaceful political advocacy. This terminology represents a notable shift in Ottawa’s public narrative, aligning more closely with India's concerns, which have for decades accused Canada of harboring secessionist militants under the guise of free speech and religious freedom.

CSIS clarified that the Canadian government continues to uphold the right to peaceful advocacy and political expression. However, it warned that a line is crossed when such advocacy turns into violence, coercion, or the promotion of terrorism, regardless of ideological affiliation.

Diplomatic Reset After Tense Standoff

This revelation comes at a critical juncture in Indo-Canadian relations. In 2023, ties between the two nations hit a historic low following the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar—a Canadian Sikh leader and prominent Khalistan supporter—outside a gurdwara in British Columbia. The Canadian government, led then by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, suggested Indian involvement in the assassination, sparking a severe diplomatic crisis. India categorically rejected the accusation, leading to the mutual expulsion of diplomats and a halt to visa and trade talks.

However, in a recent turn of events, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met during the G7 summit in Alberta, where both leaders agreed to de-escalate tensions. Diplomatic channels are now being reopened, ambassadors are being reappointed, and stalled trade negotiations are expected to resume. This CSIS report, released shortly after the summit, may serve as a gesture of goodwill or at least recognition of shared security concerns.

Foreign Interference: A Broader Pattern

Interestingly, the CSIS report also named India among several countries—alongside China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan—engaged in what it termed “foreign interference.” According to CSIS, Indian intelligence agencies have allegedly attempted to monitor or intimidate members of the Sikh diaspora, possibly in connection to activities surrounding the Khalistan movement.

This dual recognition—of both Khalistani extremism and Indian interference—highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of Canada’s internal security concerns. While acknowledging that foreign states may attempt to repress dissent or influence communities abroad, CSIS has also emphasized that Canada's soil must not be used as a base for exporting terror or violence.

Historical Context: A Long-Standing Concern for India

India has consistently warned Western nations, particularly Canada, about the dangers of allowing Khalistani sympathizers to operate freely. The most notorious example remains the 1985 Air India bombing, planned and executed by Canadian-based Khalistani extremists, which killed 329 people—the worst act of aviation terrorism before 9/11.

Over the years, Indian authorities have documented instances of radicalization, fundraising for banned terror outfits, and social media propaganda targeting the Indian state—all allegedly facilitated by actors in Canada. Yet, Canadian authorities have largely resisted taking firm legal or diplomatic steps, often citing the country’s robust protections for freedom of expression.

Conclusion: A Turning Point in Bilateral Relations

Canada’s admission marks a crucial step forward in recognizing and addressing the complexities of extremist threats that transcend borders. For India, this acknowledgment offers partial validation of its long-standing warnings about separatist networks gaining strength abroad. For Canada, it may serve as a policy correction, balancing the protection of civil liberties with national and international security responsibilities.

Whether this shift will result in tangible action—such as prosecutions, financial scrutiny, or diplomatic cooperation—remains to be seen. But symbolically, it may mark a new chapter in Indo-Canadian ties, one rooted in shared security concerns rather than mutual suspicion.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, Business Standard, NDTV)