Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 6: As diplomatic ties between India and Canada begin to stabilise, pro-Khalistan elements are finding themselves increasingly cornered—particularly in Canada, where authorities have started acting on intelligence provided by Indian agencies. The Canadian government’s recent decision to designate the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity and its move to investigate financial links between charities and extremist groups signals a shift in its approach, acknowledging for the first time the seriousness of the Khalistan threat.
Canadian authorities have placed Khalistani terrorism in the same category as groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, warning that extremist outfits are exploiting charitable organisations to fund their activities. This rare and direct admission has sent a clear message: Canada is no longer a safe haven for such movements. With this tightening of space in Canada, Indian intelligence officials believe that Khalistani operatives are now turning their focus to the United Kingdom.
While the UK doesn’t offer the same deep-rooted infrastructure that Khalistan elements enjoy in Canada, it remains fertile ground. The country has the second-largest Sikh population outside India—over 525,000 according to the 2021 census—and a long history with the Khalistan movement. Frequent protests outside the Indian High Commission, attempted disruptions of Indian ministerial visits, and the controversial hosting of so-called referendums reflect the continued presence and activity of these groups.
Despite India's repeated concerns, UK authorities have often cited freedom of expression as a reason not to intervene, even allowing religious institutions to display Khalistan-linked material. Indian officials warn, however, that the situation could escalate. What is currently limited to protests and symbolic acts could evolve into coordinated planning or financial operations if unchecked, especially as pressure in Canada increases.
The recent disruption of a screening of the film Emergency and protests during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's UK visit are seen by Indian agencies as indicators of growing boldness. The lack of substantive UK action so far makes the country an attractive fallback for Khalistan elements, but Indian officials suggest that this could soon change.
India is expected to raise these concerns directly with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his upcoming visit to India on October 8 and 9. While trade and economic ties will dominate much of the discussion, security cooperation—particularly around the Khalistan issue—is expected to feature prominently. Indian officials are hopeful that the UK will come to recognise the broader threat these groups pose to public safety and regional stability, just as Canada eventually did.
India is prepared to share detailed intelligence and case files to help UK authorities act. The message is clear: after curbing Khalistani influence in Canada, India does not want a resurgence in the UK—and will press for early intervention before the problem deepens.