Just hours after Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Mark Carney pledged to restore diplomatic ties at the G7 summit, Canada’s intelligence agency released a damning report accusing India of orchestrating foreign interference campaigns targeting Canadian politicians and Sikh communities. The June 18 Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) report named India among the “main perpetrators” of espionage and transnational repression, alongside China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan.
The CSIS report asserts that Indian officials and proxy agents engage in “deceptive, clandestine or threatening” activities to align Canadian policies with India’s interests—particularly regarding Sikh separatists advocating for Khalistan. It explicitly links India’s government to the 2023 murder of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar, calling it a “significant escalation in India’s repression efforts”. The report further alleges Indian agents collaborate with criminal networks to sow violence in South Asian communities, leading to the expulsion of six Indian diplomats in 2024.
Despite the allegations, Modi and Carney held their first bilateral meeting in Alberta on June 17, agreeing to reinstate high commissioners and resume trade talks stalled since 2023. Both leaders emphasized shared democratic values and plans to collaborate on technology, energy, and critical minerals. Carney cautiously noted, “There is a judicial process underway” regarding Nijjar’s murder, avoiding direct criticism of Modi. The meeting drew outrage from Sikh groups, who protested Modi’s G7 invitation and demanded accountability for Nijjar’s killing.
The CSIS acknowledged for the first time that Canada-based Khalistani extremists (CBKE) “plan and fund violence in India,” validating long-standing Indian concerns. However, it clarified that only a “small group” uses Canada as a base for such activities, while most Sikh activism remains lawful. The report also cited India’s “Hindu-nationalist policy agenda” under Modi as a driver of interference, aimed at suppressing “anti-India” activities globally.
Canadian Sikh leaders and opposition MPs condemned Carney’s diplomatic overture, arguing it sidesteps justice for Nijjar. British Columbia Premier David Eby urged labeling the India-linked Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity, citing its role in extortion and violence against Sikh Canadians. While trade talks will resume, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree stressed that investigations into “extrajudicial killings” will continue independently.