Canada Intel Report Warns of Khalistani Extremism, Mentions India

A recent intelligence assessment by Canada has brought renewed focus to concerns around extremism, foreign interference, and diplomatic tensions. The report by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) highlights multiple security challenges, including the activities of Khalistani elements and allegations involving foreign states.

What does the CSIS report say about Khalistani elements?

The CSIS 2025 report, tabled in the Canadian Parliament, flags the continued presence and influence of Canada-based Khalistani extremist (CBKE) groups.

It states, "Ongoing involvement in violent extremist activities by CBKEs continues to pose a national security threat to Canada and to Canadian interests. 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 also references the historical context of extremism, noting, "This past year marked the 40th anniversary of the bombing of Air India Flight 182, whose suspects were members of Canada-based Khalistani extremist (CBKE) groups. It remains to this day the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history, with 329 people killed, most of them Canadians. There were no CBKE related attacks in Canada in 2025."

How does the report address foreign interference in Canada?

Beyond domestic extremism, the report points to broader concerns about foreign interference.

"In 2025, the main perpetrators of foreign interference and espionage against Canada remained the People's Republic of China (PRC), India, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Pakistan. However, with shifting geopolitical realities and an increasingly multipolar global environment, these were not the only foreign states that sought to interfere in Canada."

The report suggests that multiple countries have attempted to influence Canadian politics through espionage and other covert means.

What allegations has the report made regarding India?

The CSIS report includes claims about India’s alleged activities in Canada, particularly in the context of transnational repression.

"Historically, India has cultivated covert relationships with Canadian politicians, journalists, and members of the Indo-Canadian community, to exert its influence and advance its interests. This has included transnational repression (TNR) activities, such as surveillance and other coercive tactics meant to suppress criticism of the Government of India and create fear in the community. Given the presence in Canada of supporters of the Khalistan separatist movement, Canada must remain vigilant regarding potential TNR activities. India acts to counter perceived threats to its domestic stability, including Khalistan separatism. In Canada, advocacy for Khalistan separatism is lawful political activity," the report said.

Has Canada’s position evolved in recent months?

While the report reflects assessments from 2025, more recent developments suggest a shift in tone.

Following leadership changes under Mark Carney, Canadian officials have indicated that India is not currently linked to violent crimes or threats on Canadian soil.

This view was echoed by Mike Duheme, commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

In an interview, he said, "Well, what I quoted in 2024 was based on the criminal investigation that we had at the time. The government official who made that quote, I'm not quite sure who briefed him. What I'm saying is that that particular file at that time, yes, I did say you had agents or proxies from the government. But what we're seeing right now in transnational repression. the dots don't always connect to a foreign entity."

He added, "the dots do not connect to a foreign entity."

How has this impacted India-Canada relations?

The issue is part of a broader diplomatic strain between India and Canada, which worsened following allegations around the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023.

Canada had alleged involvement of Indian agents in the killing of the NIA-designated terrorist, while India strongly rejected the claims, calling them "politically motivated".

Concerns over Canada’s perceived leniency towards Khalistani separatist elements have also been a persistent sticking point in bilateral ties.

(With inputs from ANI)