In a significant revelation, the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS) has publicly acknowledged for the first time that Canada-based Khalistani extremists (CBKE) continue to plan and fund violent activities in India. This admission, made in the CSIS annual report released on June 18, 2025, marks a rare alignment with New Delhi’s longstanding concerns over extremist elements operating from Canadian soil.
Khalistanis officially tagged as extremists by Canada.
— Meme Farmer (@craziestlazy) June 18, 2025
Lesson: Never play games with a Priest King. 🗿 pic.twitter.com/Dc0xvWi5oj
The release of this report came just a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met during the G7 Summit outreach in Kananaskis, where both leaders agreed to reset ties by restoring High Commissioners and diplomatic dialogues.
🔍 India in the Spotlight of CSIS
The CSIS report did not just highlight Khalistani extremism but also named India, alongside China, Iran, Pakistan, and Russia, as major foreign actors engaged in espionage and interference within Canada. However, what makes this report especially critical is its dual nature—it validates India’s claims about Khalistani extremist networks while simultaneously doubling down on allegations surrounding Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s assassination.
Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan separatist leader, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, near Toronto, in June 2023. His murder became a diplomatic flashpoint between India and Canada. In October 2024, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, claiming links between Indian agents and the killing. India strongly refuted these claims and retaliated by expelling six Canadian diplomats.
🕵️♂️ CSIS Confirms Arrests and Criminal Charges
According to CSIS, four suspects were arrested in May 2024 and charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with Nijjar’s killing. The report also cited the possibility of connections between Indian agents and criminal networks operating in Canada, allegedly working to stir unrest in South Asian communities.
CSIS described the incident as part of “India’s repression efforts against the Khalistan movement,” claiming it represents a significant escalation in foreign operations.
📍 Canadian Khalistani Extremists Included in National Threat Profile
For the first time, CSIS has included Canada-based Khalistani extremist groups under its Politically Motivated Violent Extremism (PMVE) section. The report noted that although many Khalistani supporters in Canada engage in legal protests and activism, a “small group” continues to exploit Canadian territory for promoting, fundraising, or planning violence in India.
This subtle yet important classification aligns with India’s frequent complaints to Ottawa regarding violent Khalistani separatist activities under the guise of democratic expression.
🛡️ Security Concerns and National Threats
While CSIS clarified that no terrorist attack was carried out in Canada by these extremists in 2024, it emphasized that the threat posed by these individuals remains serious. The agency warned that their involvement in extremist activities continues to threaten Canada’s national security and foreign relations, particularly with India.
This acknowledgment may signal a shift in Canada’s approach to dealing with Khalistani extremism, which has long been a sore point in bilateral relations.
🇮🇳 MEA Remains Silent Amidst Rising Tensions
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) declined to comment on the CSIS report. Despite the sensitive nature of the disclosures, the Indian government has maintained a cautious stance, likely due to the ongoing diplomatic thaw initiated at the G7 meeting.
India has consistently denied involvement in Nijjar’s killing or any transnational repression campaign. However, this CSIS report, while reiterating allegations, also hints that Canada is more receptive now to India’s national security concerns.