In a first-of-its-kind public disclosure, Canada's top intelligence agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), has officially acknowledged that Khalistani extremists continue to use Canadian soil as a base for promoting, fundraising, and planning acts of violence, primarily targeting India. This revelation, part of CSIS’s latest annual report, has reignited concerns about foreign interference and extremist activity within Canada, particularly in the context of its sensitive diplomatic relationship with India.

The CSIS report highlights that since the mid-1980s, Canada-based Khalistani extremists (CBKEs) have posed a persistent threat to peace and stability by advocating for the creation of an independent Khalistan, a separatist state to be carved out of Punjab in India, through violent means. While the report clarifies that only a small subset of individuals in Canada are actively engaged in such activities, it warns that they continue to use Canada as a strategic hub for planning and executing acts of violence targeting Indian interests.

"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 report stated.

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Pakistan’s Role  Canadian Interference Also Cited

In a parallel revelation, the CSIS and the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) have raised alarms about Pakistan's involvement in foreign interference within Canada. A May 2024 initial report by the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference (PIFI), and NSICOP’s June 2024 Special Report, both identified Pakistan as a state actor that attempted to influence Canada’s democratic institutions.

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According to CSIS, Pakistan has sought to clandestinely affect the outcome of both federal and provincial elections in Canada by supporting candidates perceived to be more favorable toward Pakistan and less supportive of India. Between 2018 and 2023, CSIS reportedly undertook a threat reduction operation aimed at mitigating Pakistan’s interference, which was deemed effective.

The report states, “Pakistan conducts foreign interference against Canada to promote political, security and economic stability in Pakistan and to counter India’s growing global influence.”

Diplomatic Reset: Modi-Carney Meet At G7 Summit

These revelations come just as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney met for the first time in person at the G7 summit in Canada. Their meeting marked an important step toward mending strained diplomatic relations that had deteriorated following the killing of pro-Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in 2023.

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According to official statements, both leaders agreed to appoint new high commissioners and resume long-stalled trade negotiations. The talks, which took place on the sidelines of the G7 summit, emphasized a commitment to "constructive and balanced partnership grounded in mutual respect for concerns and sensitivities,” as per New Delhi’s statement.


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