Why Azerbaijan Has Emerged as a New Platform for Khalistan’s Anti-India Campaign

New Delhi - The Khalistan movement, which has sustained itself largely due to permissive approaches in countries such as the United Kingdom and Canada, is now seeking to establish a new international base in Azerbaijan, officials have said.

For years, successive governments in the UK and Canada were accused of taking a soft stance against Khalistani extremists, allowing them to operate freely and use these countries as launchpads for activities targeting India. After setting up networks across multiple nations, the movement now appears to be expanding its footprint into Azerbaijan.

Last week, a conference was held in Baku, the Azerbaijani capital, with the stated aim of highlighting alleged discrimination against Sikhs and other minorities in India. Officials, however, say the event was part of a broader attempt to revive and amplify the Khalistan narrative under the guise of human rights concerns.

The conference, titled *“Racism and Violence Against Sikhs and Other National Minorities in India,”* raised immediate red flags. It was organised by the Baku Initiative Group, an organisation linked to the Azerbaijani government, pointing to official involvement in hosting the event.

The Khalistan agenda became evident when organisers and attendees observed a minute’s silence for slain Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The programme also relied heavily on videos and material alleging atrocities in India — claims that officials say are repeatedly circulated without credible evidence.

Indian officials argue that this narrative does not reflect ground realities, noting that there are no widespread complaints of state-sponsored discrimination against Sikhs in Punjab. They allege that ISI-backed Khalistani elements are deliberately projecting a distorted picture to defame India and its government.

According to officials, after establishing bases in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, Khalistani groups are now exploring further expansion, including attempts to gain a foothold in cities such as Milan. Calls for so-called referendums in various countries are seen as part of this strategy to internationalise the issue.

The move towards Azerbaijan is being described as strategic, with officials claiming it reflects guidance from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), which they say exercises control over the movement. Azerbaijan’s decision to support or host such events is viewed as indicative of its close ties with Pakistan and Turkey, both of which maintain strained relations with India.

Officials further noted that Azerbaijan offers a relatively neutral venue for pushing anti-India narratives. This allows Khalistani groups to run disinformation campaigns while providing Pakistan and Turkey a degree of plausible deniability.

India’s concerns are compounded by Azerbaijan’s past positions. During Operation Sindoor last year — conducted by India in response to terrorist attacks by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba — Baku openly backed Pakistan while criticising India’s actions.

While the UK, Canada, and some other countries have recently begun taking stronger measures against Khalistani elements, officials warn that the shift towards Azerbaijan presents a fresh security challenge. State backing, they say, could embolden extremist groups and draw additional support from countries with anti-India postures, particularly Turkey.

An official said the Baku event was projected as a discussion on alleged atrocities, but the presence of known Khalistani figures — including Nijjar’s close associate Moninder Singh and UK-based activist Dabinderjit Singh Sidhu — made it clear that the gathering was intended to formally launch Khalistan-linked activities in Azerbaijan.

—With inputs from IANS