Canadian intel flags Indian ‘interference’, deems Khalistan advocacy legal
New Delhi: Canada’s intelligence agency has listed India among countries engaged in foreign interference and espionage on its soil, even as Ottawa’s top police official said two months ago there was no current evidence linking Indian entities to clandestine operations.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), in its ‘Public Report 2025’, named India as principal state actors involved in interference and espionage targeting Canada.
Detailing India-specific concerns, the CSIS alleged New Delhi had “historically” sought covert ties with Canadian politicians, journalists and Indo-Canadian community members to advance its interests. It cited “transnational repression,” including surveillance and coercive tactics to suppress criticism of the Indian government.
“Canada must remain vigilant regarding potential transnational repression activities,” it said. However, the CSIS underlined that advocacy for Khalistan remained “lawful political activity” in Canada.
“Some Canadians participate in legitimate and peaceful campaigning to support the Khalistan movement. Non-violent advocacy for the creation of a state of Khalistan is not considered extremism,” the report said.
The findings come after Royal Canadian Mounted Police.(RCMP) Commissioner Mike Duheme said in March that probes into transnational repression had found no current evidence connecting Indian government agents to clandestine or violent activities in Canada.
