Canada spy agency warns Khalistani extremism poses a threat to national security

Canada’s intelligence agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), has warned that a small number of Canada-based Khalistani extremists continue to pose a national security threat, both within the country and abroad.

The agency said that some individuals remain involved in violent activities and use Canada as a base to support operations linked to extremism.

The warning has been mentioned in its 2025 public report, which has only recently been released into the public domain.

Commenting on the development, former Indian ambassador Anil Trigunayat said that the report marks a significant shift in Canada’s approach. He noted that for years, certain political elements in Canada had allowed extremist groups, including pro-Khalistan outfits, to grow in influence and operate with relative freedom.

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"It is a matter of satisfaction that finally the Canadian governments their agencies have not only acknowledged their presence and threats posed but also made a public statement," Trigunayat told Firstpost.

The report highlights ongoing concerns about the activities of Canada-based Khalistani extremists (CBKE), while also stressing that only a limited number of people are involved.

The agency said that some of these individuals are well connected within Canadian society and use local institutions to promote their agenda. According to the report, they may raise funds from community members, sometimes without their knowledge, and divert the money towards violent activities.

Links to past attacks and current risks

The report’s release comes as Canada marks the 40th anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 bombing, the deadliest terror attack in the country’s history. The bombing killed 329 people, most of them Canadian citizens, and was linked to individuals associated with Khalistani extremist groups based in Canada.

CSIS reiterated that only a small group is involved in such activities. It said most supporters of the Khalistan movement are engaged in peaceful and lawful advocacy, which is protected under Canadian law.

Distinction between activism and extremism

The report makes a clear distinction between violent extremism and political activism. It states that supporting the creation of a separate Khalistan state through peaceful means is not considered extremist activity in Canada.

However, it warned that some individuals exploit this space to promote violence or raise funds for extremist purposes. Authorities said that this makes it important to remain alert while also respecting lawful political expression.

The report also raised concerns about the role of India, accusing it of attempting to influence Canadian affairs. It said that Indian authorities have developed covert links with politicians, journalists and members of the Indo-Canadian community to advance their interests.

CSIS described these efforts as “transnational repression,” which may include surveillance and other forms of pressure aimed at silencing critics of the Indian government and creating fear within communities.

At the same time, the report noted that India views Khalistan separatism as a threat to its internal stability and acts to counter it.

Growing cooperation between India and Canada

Despite these concerns, both countries have taken steps to improve security cooperation. India and Canada have agreed to appoint security and law-enforcement liaison officers in each other’s capitals to improve communication and information sharing.

CSIS said that Canada must remain vigilant in dealing with both extremist threats and foreign interference, while continuing to protect lawful political activities.