The Canadian political establishment is gradually distancing itself from the Khalistani separatist movement as Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal government seeks to rebuild and strengthen relations with India.
For decades, Canada became a key destination for pro-Khalistan activists, and Canadian politics has often been shaped by the mobilisation and influence of the Sikh diaspora. All major political parties have courted Sikh voters to varying degrees, creating a political space that Khalistani separatist groups have been able to exploit for visibility and influence.
Sources told CNN-News18 that Carney is looking ahead to the 2026 AI Summit in India as a crucial opportunity to push for a full reset of bilateral ties. These developments come weeks after India and Canada quietly began repairing their relationship following a brief but sharp diplomatic rift triggered by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegation that India was involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated Khalistani terrorist in India. Trudeau never produced evidence to substantiate his claim.
Carney, who replaced him, is now attempting to move past that period of tension and restore stable engagement with New Delhi. While addressing the Liberal caucus, he reportedly instructed his colleagues to maintain no contact with Khalistani leaders or related groups.
His predecessor, Conservative leader Stephen Harper, also publicly called on Canadian political parties to cut ties with Khalistani separatist outfits.
There has also been an uptick in official engagement. Canadian minister Anita Anand visited India recently, and her colleague Maninder Sidhu is expected in New Delhi soon. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar travelled to Canada for the G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting.
Indian government sources told CNN-News18 that New Delhi and Ottawa are rebuilding trust through controlled, issue-specific interactions.
Canada's own intelligence agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), has repeatedly warned that active Khalistani extremist cells are involved in intimidation campaigns and financial networks.
Ottawa now wants to ensure the country is no longer perceived as a haven for extremist elements.
Strengthening ties with India forms a key part of that shift.
India is Canada's fastest-growing large market and a major source of international students, investment and tech talent. Trade talks between the two countries were stalled due to the Khalistan issue, and taking a firmer stand on separatist elements is now viewed in Ottawa as essential to unlocking these economic opportunities.