Canada’s intelligence agency has identified Khalistani extremists as a ‘national security threat’, stating that some members are using institutions within the country to advance a ‘violent extremist agenda’.
In its 2025 public report, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service noted that the activities of Canada-based Khalistani extremists (CBKE) continue to pose risks not only to Canada but also to its broader national interests.
“Some CBKEs maintain strong links with Canadian citizens and exploit Canadian institutions to promote their violent extremist agenda, while also collecting funds from unsuspecting community members that are later diverted toward violent activities,” the report said. The document was released on the official website of the Canadian government on Friday.
Khalistani extremist groups advocate for the creation of a separate sovereign state within India. The government of India has designated several such groups as terrorist organisations due to their involvement in separatist violence.
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The report comes a year after the 40th anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 bombing, widely regarded as the deadliest terror attack in Canadian history. The bombing led to the death of 329 people, most of them Canadian citizens, and those accused in the case were linked to Khalistani extremist circles.
At the same time, the report clarified that non-violent advocacy for the creation of Khalistan does not fall under extremism. It acknowledged that some individuals in Canada engage in lawful and peaceful campaigning in support of the separatist cause.
“Only a small group of individuals who use Canada as a base to promote, fundraise, or plan violence—primarily in India—are classified as Khalistani extremists,” the report added.
Relations between India and Canada deteriorated sharply in 2023 after then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged a possible Indian connection to the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil—an allegation that India strongly denied.
Since then, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, who assumed office last year, both countries have taken steps toward rebuilding diplomatic ties and restoring cooperation.
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