The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has identified Canada-based Khalistani extremists as an ongoing national security threat, stating in its 2025 public report that a small but active network continues to use Canadian territory to raise funds and support violent activities, primarily linked to India.
According to the assessment, these Canada-based Khalistani extremists (CBKEs) remain involved in extremist operations that pose risks not only to Canada but also to its international interests. The report notes that certain individuals are deeply embedded within Canadian society and are able to exploit institutional systems and community networks to advance their agenda. It highlights concerns that funds are sometimes collected from unsuspecting members of the public and redirected toward activities associated with violence.
At the same time, CSIS drew a clear distinction between lawful political advocacy and extremism. It emphasised that supporting the idea of a separate Khalistan remains legal in Canada, provided it does not involve violence. Only those individuals who use Canada as a base to promote, finance, or plan violent acts are classified as extremists under its framework, indicating that the concern is focused on actions rather than ideology alone.
The report also revisits the Air India Flight 182 bombing, describing it as a defining example of such extremist networks. The bombing, which killed 329 people—most of them Canadian citizens—remains the deadliest act of terrorism in Canada’s history and continues to shape the country’s security perspective on transnational extremist threats.
In a separate section, CSIS named India among several countries accused of foreign interference activities, alongside China, Russia, Iran and Pakistan. The report alleges that India has historically developed covert relationships within Canada, including with political and community figures, to influence domestic discourse and advance strategic interests.
These findings emerge at a sensitive time in relations between Canada and India, which have experienced significant strain since 2023 following allegations by Justin Trudeau regarding a possible Indian connection to the killing of separatist figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar—claims that New Delhi has firmly denied.
Despite these tensions, both countries have taken steps to stabilise ties through renewed diplomatic engagement, high-level exchanges, and discussions on economic cooperation, including a potential Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. At the same time, collaboration in areas such as law enforcement and trade has continued, reflecting a complex relationship where strategic interests coexist with ongoing security concerns.
