Canada’s intelligence agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), says Khalistani extremist elements based in Canada continue to present a national security concern. In its 2025 report, tabled in Parliament, CSIS warned that some Canada‑based Khalistani extremist (CBKE) groups advance a violent agenda, exploit Canadian institutions, and raise funds that can be diverted to violent activities.
The report marked the 40th anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 bombing, carried out by suspects linked to CBKE groups, which remains the deadliest attack in Canadian history, killing 329 people. CSIS noted there were no CBKE‑related attacks inside Canada in 2025, but stressed that ongoing involvement by these groups in violent extremist activity continues to pose a threat to Canada and Canadian interests.
CSIS said certain CBKEs are well connected to Canadian citizens who use legitimate institutions to promote violent agendas and to solicit funds from unaware community members. Those funds, the report said, can be re‑directed toward violent activity or support for extremist networks.
The assessment also documented foreign interference and espionage targeting Canada. In 2025 CSIS identified the People’s Republic of China, India, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Pakistan as principal actors involved in interference and espionage, and warned that a more multipolar global environment increases the range of states that may try to meddle in Canadian affairs.
With respect to India, CSIS said Ottawa has observed a pattern of covert cultivation of relationships with Canadian politicians, journalists, and members of the Indo‑Canadian community to exert influence. The agency described instances of transnational repression (TNR)—including surveillance and coercive tactics—intended to suppress criticism of the Government of India and to sow fear in diaspora communities. CSIS urged vigilance for potential TNR activity in Canada while emphasizing that advocacy for Khalistan separatism remains lawful political activity in Canada.
The CSIS assessment reflects intelligence from 2025. The public account appeared to shift after Mark Carney became Prime Minister and visited India earlier in 2026; Canadian officials subsequently said they believe India is not currently linked to violent crimes or threats on Canadian soil. RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme echoed that position, stating there is no threat to Canada from any agent linked to India and adding that, in some transnational repression cases, “the dots don’t always connect to a foreign entity.”
Relations between Canada and India deteriorated following Ottawa’s 2023 allegation that Indian agents were involved in the killing of NIA‑designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a gurdwara in Canada. India rejected those accusations as “politically motivated.” The CSIS report aims to balance reporting on extremist threats with noting the evolving diplomatic and security assessments between the two countries.
