Canadian intelligence has identified Canadian Khalistani extremists as a continuing threat to national security and warned that some individuals are using Canadian institutions to promote violent separatist activities associated with the Khalistan movement.
The warning was issued in a 2025 public report released by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) that outlined growing concerns about extremist networks operating from Canadian soil.
CSIS indicates violent extremist activities
In a report posted on the Canadian government’s website, CSIS said the Canadian Khalistani Extremists’ (CBKE) involvement in violent activities “continues to pose a national security threat to Canada and Canadian interests.”
“Some CBKEs are well-connected to Canadian citizens who use Canadian institutions to promote their violent extremist agenda and raise funds from unsuspecting members of the community who are then diverted to violent activities,” the report said.
Khalistan extremist groups advocate the creation of a separate Sikh homeland called Khalistan in India. India has designated several such organizations as terrorist groups due to their alleged involvement in separatist violence and militancy.
Bombing of Air India Flight 182
The news comes as Canada marks the 40th anniversary of the bombing of Air India Flight 182, one of the deadliest air terror attacks in history.
CSIS noted that the suspects linked to the bombing were linked to the Canadian-based extremist group Khalistani.
“To this day, it is the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history, with 329 people killed, mostly Canadians,” the report said.
The 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182 killed all passengers and crew on board after the plane exploded off the coast of Ireland.
The difference between activism and extremism
The intelligence agency also distinguished between violent extremism and peaceful political advocacy associated with the Khalistan movement.
According to the report, non-violent support for the creation of Khalistan is not considered extremist activity under Canadian law.
“Non-violent advocacy for the creation of the state of Khalistan is not considered extremism,” the report said, noting that some Canadians are involved in “legitimate and peaceful campaigns” in support of the separatist cause.
CSIS emphasized that “only a small group of individuals who use Canada as a base to promote, fundraise or plan violence primarily in India are considered Khalistani extremists.”
India-Canada ties are strained
The news comes at a time when India and Canada are trying to mend diplomatic ties after relations soured sharply in 2023.
India strongly denied the allegations and accused Canada of allowing extremist and anti-India elements to operate freely in the country.
Under Prime Minister Mark Carney, who took office last year, the two countries have attempted to stabilize and restore bilateral relations.
