While the relationship between India and Canada was recently shown to improve, now a new incident has shocked these efforts. In the British Columbia province of Canada, radical Sikh elements have opened a symbolic “embassy” called Republic of Khalistan.

This alleged embassy has been established in a part of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara located in Surrey. The inauguration of this embassy coincides with the preparations for the ‘Khalistan referendum’ organized by a banned organization called ‘Sikhs for Justice’ (SFJ). Indian security agencies are keeping a close watch on this development.

Impact on India-Canada diplomacy
The dialogue between India and Canada recently may be affected again. During the G7 Summit, the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the new Prime Minister of Canada Mark Karney was considered to be the beginning of the improvement in relationships. But opening the symbolic embassy of Khalistan in Surrey can weaken this effort.

Controversy arose after Nijjar’s death
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government in the murder of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which was completely rejected by India. However, in recent times, both countries indicated improvement in relationships.

India’s old objection
India has been continuously telling Canada not to allow its land to be used for anti-India activities. Especially India’s concerns about the activities of Khalistani organizations have been for decades. From the Air India bomb blast in 1985, India has warned Canada many times on this issue.

Canadian Intelligence Agency report
Canadian intelligence agency CSIS first admitted in its report in June 2025 that Khalistani, who was living in Canada, has been involved in violent violent activities with political purpose. The report said that no such attack was found in 2024, but Khalistani elements are active towards funding, making plans and carrying out violence on foreign land.

Four arrested in Nijjar murder case
Four people were arrested in May 2024 in the case of Nijjar’s murder and accused of conspiring to murder and murder. This case is still under investigation.