For the first time,Canada’s top intelligence agency has officially said that Khalistani extremists are operating from within the country. This comes even as the agency accused India of spying and interfering in Canadian affairs.
In its latest report to Parliament, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) confirmed what India has been saying for years, that people who support the Khalistan movement are using Canada as a base to promote separatism, raise money, and plan violent activities in India.

The report clearly said, “Khalistani extremists continue to use Canada as a base for the promotion, fundraising or planning of violence primarily in India.” This is the first time CSIS has publicly called these individuals “extremists.”
Canada’s top intelligence agency, CSIS, has said that Khalistani extremists living in Canada have been working since the 1980s to create a separate Sikh state in Punjab, often using violent methods. India has long accused Canada of ignoring these activities. Now, CSIS has officially admitted that Canada-based Khalistani extremists (CBKEs) are a threat, something New Delhi sees as a long-overdue acknowledgement.

However, in the same report, CSIS also accused India of trying to interfere in Canadian affairs. It named India alongside China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan as countries involved in foreign interference and spying in Canada.
The report claimed that Indian officials and their agents in Canada have been trying to influence Canadian communities and politicians. CSIS warned that if these efforts are deceptive or threatening, they are considered foreign interference.

Canada’s latest intelligence report has created a tricky situation, just as the country’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney is trying to improve relations with India. The two countries had tense ties after Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed in British Columbia. The report claimed that Nijjar’s death showed links between India and criminal groups, calling it a big step in India’s efforts to stop the Khalistan movement. It also said that Khalistani extremism in Canada is one reason why India tries to interfere in Canadian matters.

India has denied any role in Nijjar’s killing and has rejected Canada’s earlier claims of interference.
The report came out just as PM Modi and PM Mark Carney met for the first time at the G7 summit. The meeting helped break the ice after two years of cold relations. Both countries agreed to appoint new ambassadors and restart trade talks. After the meeting, Carney said the talk with PM Modi was “frank and open” and focused on law enforcement and international issues.