Canada’s intelligence agency has identified Khalistani extremists as a “national security threat”, warning that a small group uses Canadian institutions to promote what it describes as a “violent extremist agenda”.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), in its 2025 Public Report, said the activities of Canada-based Khalistani extremists continue to pose a threat to both Canada
and its interests abroad.The report noted that some individuals linked to this network use institutional platforms to spread extremist messaging and raise funds, which are then diverted towards violent activities. It added that only a limited group of individuals are involved in such actions, while making a clear distinction between violent extremism and peaceful political expression.
“Some CBKEs are well connected to Canadian citizens who leverage Canadian institutions to promote their violent extremist agenda and collect funds from unsuspecting community members that are then diverted toward violent activities,” the report said.
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Small group flagged for violent activities
According to the report, “only a small group of individuals who use Canada as a base to promote, fundraise, or plan violence primarily in India are considered Khalistani extremists”. It also said that non-violent advocacy for a separate Khalistan state is not treated as extremism, and many Canadians engage in peaceful political campaigning on the issue.
Khalistani extremist groups, which seek the creation of a separate Sikh homeland in India, are designated as terrorist organisations by New Delhi due to their involvement in separatist violence.
The report also referenced the 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182, which remains the deadliest terrorist attack in Canada’s history, killing 329 people, most of them Canadians. Suspects in the case were linked to Khalistani extremist groups, the report noted.
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Canada-India ties
The intelligence assessment comes amid continuing sensitivity in Canada-India relations, which deteriorated sharply in 2023 after then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged a possible Indian link to the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India rejected the allegations at the time.
Since Prime Minister Mark Carney took office last year, both countries have been attempting to rebuild diplomatic ties and restore engagement on key issues.
(With inputs from PTI)
