Daijiworld Media Network - Ottawa

Ottawa, May 3: Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has identified Canada-based Khalistani extremists as a “national security threat,” warning that some individuals are using institutions in the country to promote a violent agenda.

In its 2025 Public Report, CSIS said involvement of Canada-based Khalistani extremist (CBKE) elements in violent activities “continues to pose a national security threat to Canada and to Canadian interests.” The report noted that certain individuals are linked to Canadian citizens who allegedly leverage local institutions to promote extremist views and collect funds, which may be diverted toward violent activities.

Khalistani extremist groups seek the creation of a separate state of Khalistan within India and are designated as terrorist organisations by New Delhi due to their involvement in separatist and violent activities.

The report comes in the backdrop of the 40th anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 bombing, described as the deadliest terrorist incident in Canadian history, which claimed 329 lives, most of them Canadian citizens. The suspects in the bombing were linked to Khalistani extremist elements.

At the same time, the report clarified that non-violent advocacy for a separate Khalistan is not considered extremism. It stated that many individuals in Canada engage in lawful and peaceful campaigning related to the issue.

“Only a small group of individuals who use Canada as a base to promote, fundraise, or plan violence primarily in India are considered Khalistani extremists,” the report said.

India-Canada relations had sharply deteriorated in 2023 after then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged a potential Indian connection to the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, an ???? rejected by India.

Since then, both nations have made efforts to improve ties under Prime Minister Mark Carney, who assumed office last year, with renewed diplomatic engagement aimed at stabilising bilateral relations