A recent intelligence report from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has officially acknowledged that Khalistani extremists are using Canada as a base to promote, fundraise, and plan violence, primarily targeting India. This marks the first time the Canadian intelligence agency has publicly confirmed these activities, validating long-standing concerns raised by India. The report highlights the ongoing national security threat posed by these Canada-based Khalistani extremists (CBKEs) and their continued involvement in violent activities.

The CSIS report states that while non-violent advocacy for an independent Khalistan is not considered extremism, a small group of individuals are using Canada as a hub for promoting, fundraising, and planning violence in India. Although there were no CBKE-related attacks in Canada in 2024, their actions continue to threaten Canadian interests and drive Indian foreign interference activities in Canada.

For years, India has expressed concerns about Khalistani extremists operating from Canadian soil, particularly in the aftermath of the 1985 Air India bombing and subsequent terrorist activities. However, Canada had largely remained silent on the issue. The CSIS report's findings confirm that Canada has become a safe haven for anti-India elements, a point New Delhi has consistently emphasized.

The Politically Motivated Violent Extremism (PMVE) threat in Canada has primarily manifested through CBKEs seeking to create an independent nation-state called Khalistan, largely within Punjab, India, since the mid-1980s. PMVE involves planning, financing, and facilitating attacks globally to establish new political systems or entities.

The acknowledgment of Khalistani extremism in Canada comes at a sensitive time in diplomatic relations between India and Canada. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed to take steps to restore stability to their relationship and reinstate High Commissioners in each other's capitals. This decision was reached during the G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, with both leaders aiming to resume regular services for citizens and businesses in both countries.

The CSIS report also sheds light on the broader issue of violent extremism in Canada. It notes that violent extremism, whether religiously, ideologically, or politically motivated, poses a significant threat to Canada's national security. Online radicalization has contributed to an increased number of extremists mobilizing to violence, some of whom are youth, keeping the overall threat level high. Monitoring, investigating, and mitigating these threats remain a key priority for CSIS and its national security partners.

Furthermore, the report mentions ongoing investigations into the 2023 killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Four individuals were arrested in May 2024 and charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, with criminal proceedings currently underway.