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The escalating tensions between Canada and India have reached a critical juncture, marked by allegations of foreign interference, transnational repression, and the activities of Khalistani extremist groups. A recent report by the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS) has brought these issues to the forefront, acknowledging for the first time that Canada-based Khalistani extremists (CBKE) continue to plan and fund violence in India. This acknowledgment represents a significant shift in Canada's stance, as it simultaneously accuses the Indian government of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and other acts of foreign interference. The report, released on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, provides a detailed account of the CSIS's findings, outlining concerns about India's activities within Canada and the potential threat posed by Khalistani extremism. The timing of the report, just a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the G7 Summit outreach in Kananaskis, adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relationship between the two countries. The meeting, intended to restore High Commissioners and dialogue mechanisms, is now overshadowed by the serious allegations contained within the CSIS report. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has declined to comment on the report, indicating the sensitivity of the matter and the potential for further diplomatic fallout. The report's assertion that Canada is taking India's concerns about Khalistani groups more seriously than in the past is juxtaposed with its steadfast allegations regarding the Nijjar killing and other accusations of foreign interference, including Transnational Repression (TNR), which New Delhi has vehemently denied. This dual stance highlights the delicate balancing act that Canada is attempting to maintain, addressing India's security concerns while also holding the Indian government accountable for its alleged actions within Canadian territory. The CSIS report underscores the deep-seated mistrust and suspicion that have come to characterize the relationship between Canada and India, raising questions about the future of their diplomatic ties and the potential for further escalation of tensions. The report serves as a stark reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape in which these countries operate, where issues of national security, foreign interference, and transnational extremism intersect to create a volatile and unpredictable environment. The acknowledgment of Khalistani extremism as a national security threat to Canada is a significant development, reflecting the growing recognition of the potential for violence and instability stemming from these groups. However, the allegations against the Indian government further complicate the situation, raising concerns about the potential for further diplomatic tensions and the need for a thorough and impartial investigation into the Nijjar killing. The CSIS report paints a picture of a relationship fraught with challenges and complexities, requiring careful navigation and a commitment to open dialogue to prevent further deterioration and promote a more stable and cooperative future.
The crux of the CSIS report lies in its assessment of India's activities within Canada and the threat posed by Khalistani extremism. The report explicitly links the Indian government to the Nijjar murder, stating that it signals a significant escalation in India's repression efforts against the Khalistan movement and a clear intent to target individuals in North America. This allegation is based on the ongoing investigation into the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was gunned down at a gurdwara outside Toronto in June 2023. The CSIS notes that four individuals were arrested in May 2024 and charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, with criminal proceedings currently underway. Furthermore, the report suggests that investigations point to a link between agents of the Government of India and criminal networks to sow violent activity in South Asian communities in Canada. In response to these findings, the Canadian government expelled six Indian diplomats in October 2024, including India's High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, on charges linked to the case. India vehemently denied these charges, expelling six Canadian diplomats in retaliation. This diplomatic tit-for-tat underscores the severity of the allegations and the deep-seated mistrust between the two countries. The report's inclusion of Canada-based Khalistani extremist groups in its section on Politically Motivated Violent Extremism (PMVE) is a notable development. This indicates that the CSIS is taking India's complaints about violence from these groups more seriously than before, addressing a long-held grievance of New Delhi. However, the report also clarifies that while some Khalistani separatist supporters participate in legitimate protests and other activities, only 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 CSIS found no attacks in Canada in 2024 carried out by these groups, but it emphasized that their ongoing involvement in violent activities continues to pose a national security threat to Canada and Canadian interests. This assessment is likely to find favor in India, as it acknowledges the potential for violence stemming from Khalistani extremism. However, the report also cautions that Canada must remain vigilant about continued foreign interference conducted by the Government of India, not only within ethnic, religious, and cultural communities but also in Canada's political system. This refers to an official Commission's allegations against New Delhi of political interference and the alleged use of proxies to influence elections by the Indian government in January of this year. The MEA has denied these allegations, asserting that it is Canada that interferes in India's internal activities rather than the other way around. The report highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of the challenges facing Canada and India, requiring a comprehensive and nuanced approach to address the issues of foreign interference, transnational repression, and Khalistani extremism.
Beyond the immediate concerns of foreign interference and Khalistani extremism, the CSIS report delves into the broader context of India's political landscape and its implications for the relationship with Canada. The report notes that New Delhi is expected to protest a politically-charged comment linking its allegations on transnational repression with India's 2024 election outcomes and the Modi government's “Hindu-nationalist policy agenda” in particular. The report states that “Prime Minister Modi and his core Ministers and advisers are keen to build India’s global influence and counter any activity they consider as ‘anti-India,’ at home or abroad, in the name of domestic stability and prosperity.” This comment suggests that the CSIS views India's actions as driven by a desire to project power and suppress dissent, both domestically and internationally. The report acknowledges that India's history of calling Canada a “haven for anti-India activity” is rooted in the 1985 Air India ‘Kanishka’ flight bombing and subsequent terrorist activity in India. However, it argues that this perception continues to “drive Indian foreign interference activities” in Canada. The CSIS report also notes that Pakistan has attempted to interfere in Canadian politics, by helping “pro-Pakistan” candidates over those seen as “Pro-India” and also carried out TNR activities to suppress Pakistani dissidents and critics in the country. This highlights the broader issue of foreign interference in Canadian politics, with multiple countries attempting to influence the political landscape and suppress dissent within their diaspora communities. The report paints a picture of a complex and challenging geopolitical environment, where Canada is caught between competing interests and facing threats from multiple sources. The relationship between Canada and India is particularly fraught, with deep-seated mistrust and suspicion on both sides. The CSIS report underscores the need for a comprehensive and nuanced approach to address the challenges facing Canada and India, requiring careful diplomacy, open dialogue, and a commitment to upholding the rule of law. The future of the relationship between Canada and India will depend on the ability of both countries to address the underlying issues that have led to the current tensions, including foreign interference, transnational repression, and Khalistani extremism. A failure to do so could have serious consequences for both countries, as well as for the broader geopolitical landscape.
Source: Canada-based Khalistani extremists continue to plan, fund violence in India, says report