Khalistani Extremist Groups Operating in Canada, Government Report Confirms

Canada Confirms Khalistani Extremist Groups Active, Fundraising.

Canada has formally acknowledged for the first time that Khalistani extremist groups operate within the country and raise funds, a revelation that reinforces India’s concerns over anti-India activities on Canadian soil.

A new Department of Finance report on money laundering and terrorist financing lists Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) as terrorist groups under the Criminal Code. It notes that such organisations, along with Hamas and Hezbollah, have received financial support originating in Canada.

The assessment says Khalistani groups, though smaller today than in the past, continue to rely on diaspora donations, non-profits, cryptocurrencies, and criminal activity to sustain themselves.

India has repeatedly pressed Ottawa to act against these organisations, accusing Canada of tolerating extremism that threatens Indian security. The issue has strained relations, particularly after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged Indian involvement in the 2023 killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar — claims New Delhi strongly denied.

Ties began to improve under Prime Minister Mark Carney, who pledged to address India’s concerns and reinstated envoys. However, India continues to demand firm action against Khalistani networks.