The escalating diplomatic crisis between India and Canada underscores a broader issue that Western nations have long overlooked: the growing threat of Khalistani extremism. This ongoing tension, fueled by accusations and denials, represents more than a bilateral spat—it highlights the West’s failure to understand and address the complexities of a movement that has serious consequences for international security and harmony within diasporic communities.
Western nations have been dismissive of India’s concerns regarding the Khalistan movement because it poses no direct threat to their own security. “The Khalistan movement does not pose a direct threat to the West, at least not often,” noted Canadian security expert Adam George. This indifference reflects a dangerous complacency. Western governments, by downplaying or ignoring India’s warnings about Khalistani extremism, are missing the bigger picture of how this issue undermines social cohesion and fuels extremism within their borders.
One of the key problems, as George points out, is the Canadian government’s conflation of separatist militancy with Sikh identity. “They assume that all Sikhs are Khalistanis and all Khalistanis are Sikhs,” he says. This fundamental misunderstanding not only alienates the peaceful Sikh population but also creates fertile ground for extremists to operate under the guise of religious expression.
The Western ignorance about the dangers of Khalistani extremism is not unique to Canada. The Bloom Review, commissioned by the UK government, exposed how Khalistani activists in the UK have exploited government ignorance to intimidate Sikhs, recruit youth, and raise funds to further their agenda. Despite these alarming findings, Western nations, particularly Canada, have continued to turn a blind eye, perhaps for fear of alienating certain vote banks or disrupting political calculations.
India’s frustration is understandable. For years, New Delhi has expressed concern over the safe haven provided to Khalistani extremists in Canada, accusing Ottawa of prioritizing vote-bank politics over national security. The fact that 26 Indian extradition requests have been pending for over a decade illustrates the Canadian government’s reluctance to act. Meanwhile, India is left grappling with the very real threat of separatist violence, as seen in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a known Khalistani terrorist, which became the flashpoint for the current diplomatic fallout.
The lack of awareness among Canadians about the 1985 Air India bombing—the deadliest terror attack in the country’s history—further highlights why Canada has not taken the Khalistani issue seriously. The bombing of Air India Flight 182, which killed 329 people, including 280 Canadian citizens, should have served as a wake-up call. Yet, a 2022 poll found that nine out of ten Canadians were either unaware or knew little about this tragedy. This ignorance has allowed a dangerous narrative to persist, where Khalistani extremism is dismissed as a distant or irrelevant issue.
While Canada continues to flounder in its response, other Western powers have approached the issue more tactfully. The United States, recognizing India’s strategic importance, has handled the situation with greater professionalism. As George aptly noted, the Biden administration has managed its concerns with India through back-channel diplomacy, ensuring that the broader partnership in the Indo-Pacific—especially in countering China—remains intact. This stands in stark contrast to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s public “naming and shaming” tactics, which have only aggravated tensions.
Despite calls from the United States for India to cooperate with Canada’s investigation into Nijjar’s killing, the bilateral relationship between India and the U.S. remains strong, built on shared geopolitical interests and mutual respect. As U.S. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller noted, the two countries continue to collaborate on key global challenges, despite their disagreements. This is a lesson Canada could learn: diplomacy works best when approached through quiet engagement, not public grandstanding.
Looking ahead, it is in both India’s and Canada’s best interests to avoid any drastic measures, such as economic sanctions, that could further damage their ties. As George warned, it would be “foolish” for either side to take steps they might later regret. India’s diaspora in Canada plays a significant role in the country’s social and economic fabric, while Canada benefits from substantial revenues generated by Indian international students. Both nations need to recognize the broader consequences of their actions and find a path to resolution that does not jeopardize these long-term benefits.
At the heart of the matter, however, lies a fundamental truth: the West cannot afford to continue ignoring the threat of Khalistani extremism. By failing to address this issue, countries like Canada risk fostering an environment where extremism flourishes under the radar. This is not just India’s problem—it is a global security challenge that needs to be confronted with urgency, clarity, and a deep understanding of the dangers it poses to peaceful communities worldwide.
Western nations must acknowledge the legitimacy of India’s concerns and move beyond the false dichotomy of equating Khalistani militancy with the Sikh faith. By doing so, they can begin to address the root causes of extremism, protect vulnerable communities, and restore diplomatic relationships built on trust, respect, and mutual security.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Khalsa Vox or its members.
