Ottawa: For the first time, Canada’s premier intelligence agency has officially acknowledged that Khalistani separatists are using Canadian territory to escalate activities, raise funds, and plan violence in India. In its annual report released on Wednesday, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) identified these elements as a threat to national security.
“Khalistani separatists continue to use Canada primarily as a base for escalating, raising funds or planning violence in India,” the CSIS report stated. This marks a significant shift in Canada’s public stance, as India has repeatedly raised concerns over Khalistani elements operating from Canadian soil—concerns that were largely overlooked until now.
The report refers to these actors as Canada-based Khalistani extremists (CBKEs) and links them to politically motivated violent extremism (PMVE) dating back to the mid-1980s. “A small group of individuals are considered Khalistani separatists as they continue to use Canada as a base primarily to escalate, raise funds or plan violence in India,” the report said.
It further noted that both real and perceived Khalistani separatist threats are linked to foreign interference activities within Canada, reigniting scrutiny over how such groups influence domestic narratives and policy, particularly in relation to India.
The CSIS document also warned of the need for continued vigilance against foreign-influenced campaigns and domestic separatist financing networks.
“These activities seek to align Canada’s positions with India’s interests on key issues, particularly how the Indian government views supporters of a Canada-based independent country they call Khalistan,” the report added.
The admission is likely to further strain the already fragile diplomatic ties between Ottawa and New Delhi, especially amid growing concerns over foreign interference and national security risks.
