The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday reiterated India's strong opposition to anti-India activities following reports that a so-called Khalistan referendum is planned in Canada. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the remarks during a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi on October 9, responding to a question about the proposed event. The statement comes amid continued concerns in India over activities linked to Khalistani separatist groups operating overseas. Jaiswal emphasised India's position, stating that New Delhi strongly condemns all anti-India activities.
The remarks followed reports that Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a banned radical organisation, plans to hold a so-called Khalistan referendum in Edmonton, Canada, on October 18. The proposed event has drawn attention amid ongoing concerns over separatist campaigns targeting the Indian diaspora. India has consistently opposed such activities, describing them as threats to its national interests. However, the MEA's remarks on Friday focused on reiterating the country's opposition to anti-India activities rather than announcing any new diplomatic measures.
The development also comes after reports in August concerning SFJ founder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and his statements about establishing a proposed Khalistan Army and a Sikh Homeland Security force. According to a report published by Khalsa Vox, Pannun released a video urging members of the Sikh diaspora to participate in a so-called Khalistan referendum in Indianapolis, the capital of the US state of Indiana. The report also referred to footage allegedly showing Sikh men undergoing training with semi-automatic rifles in Canada, raising concerns about the potential consequences of militant messaging and the presence of weapons.
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The Khalsa Vox report argued that inflammatory separatist messaging could influence vulnerable young people in diaspora communities, particularly those facing challenges related to migration, identity and economic circumstances. It raised concerns about the possible links between extremist rhetoric, illegal weapons and criminal activity. The report also referred to Canadian intelligence assessments identifying Khalistani extremists as a national security concern. These claims and assessments form part of broader debates over separatist activities abroad, community safety and the responsibilities of authorities in addressing potential security threats.
The planned Edmonton event is expected to bring renewed attention to India's concerns over Khalistani separatist campaigns in Canada. New Delhi's latest statement reinforces its established position against activities it considers hostile to India, while the reported plans involving SFJ remain the immediate context for the diplomatic response. The MEA has not announced any additional measures in connection with the October 18 event in the statement provided. The situation also highlights continuing sensitivities surrounding India-Canada relations and the handling of separatist activities within overseas diaspora communities.
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