Canada Labels Khalistani Extremists a National Security Threat
In a significant policy shift, Canada has officially identified "Khalistani extremists" as a national security threat in a key annual intelligence report. The declaration by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) marks the first time the country has used this specific terminology in an official capacity, directly addressing a major, long-standing security concern for India and signaling a new chapter in bilateral relations.
The CSIS report to Parliament clarifies that while no related attacks occurred in Canada in 2024, the ongoing activities of these groups continue to pose a threat to the country and its interests. It explicitly states that a "small group of individuals" uses Canada as a base for "the promotion, fundraising or planning of violence primarily in India." This acknowledgment validates India's repeated assertions that Khalistani separatist elements have been leveraging Canadian territory to support extremist activities targeting India.
This development comes just a day after a productive bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his new Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney, at the G7 Summit. The leaders agreed to a diplomatic reset, including the appointment of new High Commissioners and the resumption of trade negotiations. The CSIS report appears to be a concrete step that reinforces this renewed commitment to cooperation, moving past the severe diplomatic strain under the previous government following allegations concerning the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
For years, India has urged Canada to take action against extremist elements and has provided lists of individuals sought for extradition. The official designation by CSIS is a crucial acknowledgment of the problem, potentially paving the way for enhanced security cooperation and a more unified approach to combating transnational extremism.
