CSIS report: Canada calls Khalistan extremism threat to national security, alleges Indian interference in internal politics
PTC News Desk: Canadian Security Intelligence Service in its report cited that Khalistani extremism as a threat to national security. The report further cited that several countries including China, Russia and India interfered in Canada's internal politics through espionage.
In its statement, the report says, "This past year marked the 40th anniversary of the bombing of Air India Flight 182, whose suspects were members of Canada-based Khalistani extremist (CBKE) groups. It remains to this day the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history, with 329 people killed, most of them Canadians. There were no CBKE related attacks in Canada in 2025." The Air India attack remains the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history that claimed 329 lives.
"Ongoing involvement in violent extremist activities by CBKEs continues to pose a national security threat to Canada and to Canadian interests. Some CBKEs are well connected to Canadian citizens who leverage Canadian institutions to promote their violent extremist agenda and collect funds from unsuspecting community members that are then diverted toward violent activities," it added.
The report further alleged that India practices transnational repression with the help of its relationship with big wigs in politics and relationship it has cultivated over time with the Indo-Canadian community.
"Historically, India has cultivated covert relationships with Canadian politicians, journalists, and members of the Indo-Canadian community, to exert its influence and advance its interests. This has included transnational repression (TNR) activities, such as surveillance and other coercive tactics meant to suppress criticism of the Government of India and create fear in the community. Given the presence in Canada of supporters of the Khalistan separatist movement, Canada must remain vigilant regarding potential TNR activities. India acts to counter perceived threats to its domestic stability, including Khalistan separatism. In Canada, advocacy for Khalistan separatism is lawful political activity," the report said.
The report however is based on the assessment of 2025. The ties between both the countries appear to have taken a significant turn after Mark Carney took over as Prime Minister of Canada. Prior to Carney's visit to India earlier this year Canadian officials said that, they believe India is not currently linked to violent crimes or threats on Canadian soil.
- With inputs from agencies
