NSA Ajit Doval’s Canada Visit Disrupts ISI-Backed Khalistan Revival Efforts

New Delhi – India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval’s recent visit to Canada has dealt a significant blow to alleged attempts by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to revive the Khalistan movement in Punjab, officials said.

The Khalistan issue has long strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada. Bilateral ties deteriorated during Justin Trudeau’s tenure as Canadian Prime Minister, amid accusations that his government was sympathetic to Khalistan supporters. Tensions escalated further after Trudeau made allegations linking India to the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Following Trudeau’s exit from office, both nations have worked towards restoring relations and addressing concerns surrounding Khalistan-related activities.

During his visit, NSA Doval held discussions with Nathalie Drouin, Deputy Clerk and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Canadian Prime Minister. Officials described the meeting as productive, stating that renewed cooperation between the two countries could significantly impact Khalistan-linked networks that have allegedly operated from Canadian soil.

According to officials, Canada has long been used as a base by Khalistani elements to issue threats against India and coordinate activities such as targeted killings in Punjab. Intelligence agencies also claim that several individuals linked to drug trafficking and the smuggling of arms and ammunition into Punjab are operating from Canada.

One of the key outcomes of the Doval-Drouin meeting was an agreement to share real-time intelligence, with a major focus on tackling Khalistan-linked extremism, narcotics trafficking, cyber threats, and organised criminal networks.

Officials noted that the meeting came at a time when intelligence reports suggested that the ISI was attempting to revive the Khalistan movement by recruiting individuals and facilitating infiltration into Punjab. The strategy reportedly includes spreading propaganda through Khalistan-related posters in remote areas and using financial incentives to attract youth. Enhanced intelligence sharing between India and Canada is expected to significantly disrupt these efforts.

Security officials also highlighted that while the ISI allegedly manages the operational network, Canada is believed to host its largest command base, followed by the United Kingdom.

Another important development from the meeting was the effort to rebuild diplomatic trust between the two nations. The earlier allegations linking Indian intelligence agencies to Nijjar’s killing had triggered a major diplomatic standoff. Previously, Canada had often treated Khalistan-related activities as part of free speech. However, both countries have now reportedly agreed to classify such activities as terrorism and organised crime, marking a major shift in approach.

During the discussions, NSA Doval also raised concerns regarding fundraising activities by Khalistani groups, which allegedly operate under the guise of charitable initiatives, including through certain Gurdwaras in Canada. He emphasised the need for joint efforts to dismantle drug cartels, as proceeds from narcotics trafficking are believed to fund extremist activities.

Officials further stated that Khalistani groups have been actively using social media platforms and covert communication methods to promote their agenda. Increased cooperation and intelligence sharing are expected to limit these operations.

Reports indicate that Khalistani networks are now exploring alternative bases in countries such as Italy and Germany. However, dismantling long-established networks in Canada is expected to pose significant challenges for these groups.

The NSA-level meeting took place ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s planned visit to India in March, during which further efforts to strengthen bilateral ties are anticipated.

Meanwhile, Indian intelligence agencies have warned that Khalistani groups may attempt disruptive activities in Punjab in response to these developments. Security forces have been advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the region, officials added.

With inputs from IANS