New Delhi, June 20, 2025:
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) reported today that Khalistani extremist groups are using Canadian territory as a base from which to plan, fund, and promote violent activities in India. This is a significant development.
According to the 2024 CSIS annual report, "a small group of Khalistani extremists are continuing to use Canada as a base for fundraising and planning of violence, primarily in India." Although the majority of Canadian pro Khalistan activists are nonviolent, the agency cautioned that extremist elements represent a significant threat to national security.
India has long expressed concern about Canada's tolerance of anti India separatist elements, and this admission confirms that concern. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent G7 summit meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada, where both leaders vowed to mend diplomatic ties and address common security issues, the report was released.
While acknowledging that India has justifiable concerns regarding Sikh extremism operating from Canadian territory, the CSIS report also criticized India for its involvement in foreign meddling. According to the report, "some extremists have engaged in threat related activities directed at India from within Canada," and India frequently fails to distinguish between violent extremists and peaceful advocates.
The intelligence discovery was greeted by New Delhi as confirmation of its stance. However, Canada's past charges against India, particularly its alleged role in the murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, have not been settled and have soured ties since 2023.
The CSIS acknowledgement may be a watershed moment, according to security experts. Analyst Puneet Sahani wrote, "Khalistani extremism is tarnishing Canada's image and hindering India ties." He cautioned that if extremist activity is allowed to continue, Canada could be perceived as "a future exporter of terrorism."
It is anticipated that intelligence sharing on extremist threats will increase as both countries start to reestablish high level diplomatic channels. The report's conclusions might also put pressure on Canada to look into networks that finance extremism and to tighten regulations on the spread of violence and propaganda overseas.
Critics now call for stricter regulation of extremist organizations functioning within Canada's borders, even as the country continues to strike a balance between freedom of expression and national security. It is unclear if this CSIS revelation will result in tangible action, but it will most likely influence the direction of the Canada-India dialogue in the coming months.
