Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has released its 2025 public report, marking a significant shift in its assessment of domestic and international security challenges. Tabled recently in the Canadian Parliament, the document explicitly identifies “Canada-based Khalistani extremists” as an ongoing national security concern. According to the intelligence agency, the activities of these violent elements continue to promote a radical agenda that poses a direct threat to both Canada and its national interests. This assessment categorises such individuals under the umbrella of politically motivated violent extremism, defined by the intent to use violence to establish new political systems or norms within existing structures.
While the report acknowledges that no specific attacks linked to these groups occurred within Canada during the 2025 calendar year, it warns of a small but active group of individuals using Canadian soil for fundraising and planning violence primarily targeted at India. A notable inclusion in this year’s report is the formal distinction between violent extremism and the legitimate, peaceful political advocacy for a separate state. The agency emphasised that non-violent campaigning is not considered a terrorist activity under the Criminal Code. However, the report also highlighted the 40th anniversary of the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing, reminding Canadians that the deadliest terrorist attack in the country’s history was carried out by members of similar extremist factions.
Beyond domestic extremism, the 2025 intelligence assessment places foreign interference high on the list of national priorities. It identifies the People’s Republic of China, India, the Russian Federation, Iran, and Pakistan as the primary states engaged in espionage and coercive interference activities. Specifically regarding India, the report alleges that efforts have been made to cultivate relationships with high-profile political figures and journalists to suppress criticism of the Indian government through transnational repression. These tactics reportedly include surveillance and various coercive measures aimed at members of the Indo-Canadian community.
The tone of this year’s report appears to reflect a transition in Canadian political leadership, with mentions of shifting assessments coinciding with the influence of figures like Mark Carney. This marks a departure from intelligence reports issued since 2018 under the previous administration, which had largely omitted references to pro-Khalistan extremism. While CSIS Director Dan Rogers described the report as a vital tool for understanding evolving threats, the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Mike Duheme, offered a more nuanced endorsement. Duheme noted that while the assessment is valid in parts, there remains a lack of concrete evidence linking specific threats directly to the Indian government.
These developments occur against a backdrop of severely strained relations between Ottawa and New Delhi. Tensions reached a boiling point following allegations regarding the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a move India has consistently dismissed as politically motivated. As Canada adds more entities to its terrorist list, including transnational criminal organisations like the Bishnoi Gang, the focus on foreign interference continues to define its diplomatic challenges. The 2025 assessment serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in balancing domestic security with international relations in an increasingly volatile global landscape.
