Canada's Intelligence Agency Acknowledges Khalistani Extremism on Its Soil

In a significant development, Canada's intelligence agency CSIS has acknowledged the presence of Khalistani extremists on its soil, who are allegedly using Canadian territory to promote and plan violence against India. This revelation comes amidst ongoing diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, particularly following allegations regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The report emphasizes the need for vigilance against extremist activities and foreign interference, validating India's long-standing concerns about the safety of its interests in Canada. As both nations work to stabilize their relationship, the implications of this acknowledgment could have far-reaching effects on their diplomatic ties.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 19, 2025, 07:27 IST

CSIS Report Highlights Khalistani Threats

In a groundbreaking revelation, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has officially recognized that Khalistani extremists are utilizing Canadian territory to promote, fundraise, and orchestrate violence aimed at India. The agency's annual report, released on Wednesday, outlines significant threats to national security, stating, “Khalistani extremists continue to use Canada as a base for the promotion, fundraising or planning of violence primarily in India.”

Long-standing Concerns Validated

For years, India has expressed worries regarding Khalistani extremists operating from Canada, but these concerns were often overlooked by Canadian authorities. The CSIS report affirms that Canada has become a refuge for anti-India factions, thereby validating India's longstanding apprehensions. This acknowledgment follows a recent agreement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to take measured steps to stabilize their diplomatic relations, including the reinstatement of High Commissioners in each other's capitals.

G7 Summit Discussions

During the G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Modi discussed appointing new high commissioners to facilitate regular services for citizens and businesses in both nations, as stated in a press release from the Canadian Prime Minister's office. The report highlights that the threat of Politically Motivated Violent Extremism (PMVE) in Canada has primarily emerged from Khalistani extremists seeking to establish an independent state called Khalistan, mainly within Punjab, India.

Historical Context of Khalistani Extremism

The CSIS report indicates that since the mid-1980s, the PMVE threat has been largely attributed to Canada-based Khalistani extremists (CBKEs). It notes, “A small group of individuals are considered Khalistani extremists because they continue to use Canada as a base for the promotion, fundraising or planning of violence primarily in India.” This extremism has been linked to Indian foreign interference activities within Canada, raising alarms about foreign influence and extremist actions in the country.

Call for Vigilance

Canada's intelligence community has confirmed what India has long asserted: the country has become a sanctuary for anti-India elements. The report emphasizes the need for ongoing vigilance against external influence campaigns and domestic extremist financing networks, stating, “These activities attempt to steer Canada’s positions into alignment with India’s interests on key issues, particularly regarding how the Indian government views Canada-based supporters of an independent homeland known as Khalistan.”

Escalating Tensions

Tensions heightened when former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed credible allegations of India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in 2023. India has vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them as “absurd” and “motivated,” while accusing Canada of harboring extremist elements. Following this, India recalled six diplomats from Canada after they were identified as “persons of interest” in the investigation surrounding Nijjar's murder, who was shot outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023.

Implications for Canada-India Relations

The report indicates that links between the Indian government and the Nijjar murder represent a significant escalation in India's efforts to suppress the Khalistan movement and a clear intention to target individuals in North America. It reiterates that real and perceived Khalistani extremism from Canada continues to influence Indian foreign interference activities within the country.

Prime Minister Carney's Defense

Prime Minister Carney faced backlash for inviting Prime Minister Modi to the G7 summit, with some Sikh advocates and members of his own party expressing discontent. Nevertheless, Carney defended his choice, highlighting India's importance in global affairs. He pointed out that India is the world's fourth-largest economy and most populous nation, making it a vital player in tackling global challenges.