Canada sounds red alert: Khalistani extremists declared major security threat

"There were no CBKE-related attacks in Canada in 2025. Ongoing involvement in violent extremist activities by CBKEs continues to pose a national security threat to Canada and to Canadian interests," the report said.

"Some Canadians participate in legitimate and peaceful campaigning to support the Khalistan separatist movement," the report said.

The assessment was published in the Canadian Security Intelligence Service’s 2025 public report.

The report, however, said non-violent advocacy for the creation of a state of Khalistan is not considered extremism.

"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," the report said.

The report also mentioned the  40th anniversary of the bombing of Air India Flight 182, which left 329 people dead, and referred it as a 'deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history'.

"This past year marked the 40th anniversary of the bombing of Air India Flight 182, whose suspects were members of Canada-based Khalistani extremist (CBKE) groups," the report said.

The report was released at a time when the two nations are trying to stabilise ties after months of tension during the regime of former PM Justin Trudeau who had alleged a potential Indian link to the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

India, however, rejected the charges.

Under the current PM Mark Carney, the two countries seem to be rebuilding the ties.