Khalistani extremism is increasingly being viewed as a significant issue that is tarnishing Canada's image and creating friction in its relationship with India, according to analysts. Concerns are mounting that the activities and rhetoric of certain Khalistani groups are negatively impacting Canada's international reputation and hindering stronger ties with India.

Puneet Sahani, a New York-based expert on Khalistani terrorism, recently warned that Canada is beginning to resemble "a Pakistan of the West" due to the violent rhetoric and incidents associated with Khalistani agitation. He expressed fears that Canada could become "a future exporter of terrorism" if these extremist networks are not confronted with the same seriousness as other global threats. Sahani pointed to a recent incident involving the harassment of Canadian journalist Mocha Bezirgan in Vancouver as an example of the troubling behavior.

The Khalistan movement, which seeks to create a separate Sikh state in India's Punjab region, has a long and complex history. Launched around the time of India's independence, the movement has seen periods of both peaceful advocacy and violent extremism. While the majority of Sikhs in Canada and elsewhere do not support the creation of Khalistan through violent means, a vocal minority continues to promote the cause, sometimes through intimidation and violence.

India has long voiced concerns about Canada's handling of Khalistani elements operating within its borders. These concerns have grown in recent years, particularly following the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader, in British Columbia in June 2023. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's subsequent statement suggesting potential Indian involvement in the killing led to a significant deterioration in relations between the two countries. India has vehemently denied these allegations, calling them "absurd" and accusing Canada of providing a safe haven for anti-India extremists.

The strained relationship has had tangible consequences. Both countries expelled diplomats, and India issued advisories urging its citizens in Canada to exercise caution. Visa services for Canadian nationals were also suspended for a period. While there have been recent signs of a potential thaw in relations, the underlying tensions remain.

Analysts point to several factors contributing to the rise and persistence of Khalistani extremism in Canada. One is the significant Sikh diaspora in Canada, which includes some individuals who fled India in the 1980s and 1990s and harbor grievances against the Indian government. A new generation of activists, many of whom have never lived in India, are now taking up the cause, sometimes espousing even more radical views than their predecessors. Some experts say these individuals are "brainwashed" and "pumped with hatred".

Gurdwaras, or Sikh temples, can also play a role in the movement. Some gurdwaras have become centers for promoting Khalistani ideology, and leaders of these institutions can wield considerable influence within the community.

Moreover, some suggest that Canadian politicians have been reluctant to crack down on Khalistani extremism due to concerns about alienating Sikh voters. This perceived reluctance has fueled criticism that Canada is not taking the threat seriously enough.

The issue is further complicated by Canada's commitment to freedom of speech and expression. While these are fundamental rights, some argue that they are being exploited by extremist elements to spread hate and incite violence.

Addressing the issue effectively will require a multi-pronged approach. Canada needs to demonstrate a clear commitment to tackling extremism, while also respecting the rights of peaceful activists and avoiding the stigmatization of the broader Sikh community. Stronger cooperation with India on counter-terrorism efforts is also essential. For its part, India may need to reassess its approach to engaging with the Sikh diaspora, focusing on building bridges and addressing legitimate grievances.