Canada Acknowledges Rising Khalistani Extremism
In a move that aligns with India’s persistent warnings, Canada’s top intelligence agency has officially acknowledged the threat of Khalistani extremism thriving within its borders. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), in its 2024 annual report, clearly states that extremist groups continue to use Canada to promote, fund, and plan violent acts—primarily targeting India.
This recognition marks the most direct acknowledgment yet by Canada of the issue that has long strained diplomatic ties with India. It also comes just days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met during the G7 Summit in Alberta, reopening lines of communication after months of diplomatic freeze.
A Threat Decades in the Making
CSIS traces the origins of this threat back to the 1980s. Over the decades, what began as political dissent has transformed into a violent movement spearheaded by a small but determined group. These Canada-Based Khalistani Extremists (CBKEs) are identified in the report as politically motivated actors who advocate for the creation of an independent Khalistan—carved out of Punjab, India—through violence rather than peaceful protest.
The agency emphasized that while the number of active extremists is small, their actions are dangerous and ongoing. “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,” the report states.
National Security at Risk
The CSIS report doesn’t mince words. It directly identifies the Khalistani extremist network as a “national security threat to Canada and Canadian interests.” The report also highlights a concerning consequence: Indian intelligence activities in Canada have been shaped—at least in part—by this threat. According to CSIS, “real and perceived Khalistani extremism emerging from Canada continues to drive Indian foreign interference activities in Canada.”
These findings serve as a wake-up call for Canadian lawmakers, especially given the global diplomatic implications. By acknowledging the issue, CSIS has brought national attention to a matter that India has flagged for years.
The Nijjar Controversy Revisited
This report also recontextualizes the 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated Khalistani terrorist who was gunned down in British Columbia. Following his death, then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of orchestrating the killing—a claim India dismissed as baseless and politically charged.
With CSIS now confirming ongoing extremist activity within Canada, New Delhi’s position gains significant weight. The report indirectly strengthens India’s stance: that Khalistani networks in Canada pose serious risks and deserve more scrutiny than they’ve received in the past.
A Diplomatic Reset in Motion
Despite this complex backdrop, there are early signs of a thaw in India-Canada relations. During the recent G7 Summit, PM Modi and PM Carney held talks that many view as a step toward rebuilding trust. Both sides have agreed to restore high-level diplomatic engagement, including plans to appoint new High Commissioners and resume stalled trade discussions.
While some Sikh advocacy groups and Canadian lawmakers criticized Carney’s engagement with Modi, the Canadian Prime Minister defended the move. He emphasized India’s strategic economic significance and reiterated the importance of constructive global dialogue.
What’s Next?
The CSIS report may reshape public and political discourse in Canada. It not only validates India’s repeated concerns but also places new pressure on Canadian authorities to act. As global powers tighten cooperation on security matters, countries like Canada can no longer afford to overlook internal threats that have international consequences.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more updates on Canada’s evolving diplomatic landscape and national security developments.
