India on Thursday rejected allegations by Canada’s intelligence agency of espionage and foreign interference as “baseless”, while raising concerns over the presence of Khalistani extremist elements operating from Canadian soil.
Responding to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) report, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s position on such claims has been “clear and consistent”.
“Regarding the CSIS report, I will refer to both points. On the imputations of foreign interference, India's position has been clear and consistent. We categorically reject such baseless imputations. India is a democracy that adheres to international norms and respects the sovereignty of other nations. It is not our policy to interfere in the issues of other countries. We believe that any concerns of this nature should be addressed through established mechanisms rather than through politicized or public narratives,” he said.
Jaiswal added that India has repeatedly raised concerns about Canadian territory being used by extremist and separatist groups to incite violence.
“On the mention of Canada being used by certain groups to promote violence against India, we have consistently spoken out about concerns regarding the use of Canadian territory as a safe haven by extremists and separatists,” he said.
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He pointed out that the CSIS assessment itself acknowledged the presence of Khalistan supporters in Canada and the risks they pose.
“The CSIS assessment acknowledges the presence of supporters of the Khalistan separatist movement in Canada and notes that Canada-based extremist groups continue to pose a national security threat not only to India but also to Canada. It further highlights that such elements misuse democratic freedoms and institutions to promote extremism and raise funds that are diverted towards violent activities,” Jaiswal said.
India has urged Canadian authorities to act against anti-India elements, including those involved in glorifying violence, issuing threats to diplomats and leaders, vandalising places of worship and promoting secessionism.
“India has repeatedly urged the Canadian authorities to take effective action against anti-India elements operating from its soil. This includes addressing the glorification of violence, threats against diplomats and leaders, vandalism of places of worship, and attempts to promote secessionism through so-called referendums,” he said.
The CSIS report for 2025, tabled in the Canadian Parliament on May 2, alleged that India, along with China, Russia and Iran, was involved in foreign interference activities. It also noted that Khalistani extremist groups in Canada continue to promote a violent agenda.
The report referenced the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing, carried out by Canada-based Khalistani extremists, which killed 329 people and remains the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history.
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