Most Canadians are against the pro-Khalistan movement's activities in their country, and nearly three-fourths want policies to prevent such an agenda from being pursued, according to a recent survey. The survey, conducted by the agency Leger, stated, “Support for Sikh separatist activities in Canada is minimal (10%), with a majority (54%) opposed. This opposition aligns with widespread support (72%) for stricter policies to prevent foreign separatist agendas from being organised on Canadian soil.” 

Among those who support the group, only 2% do so strongly, while 37% are strongly against the extremist movement. The survey aimed to measure public opinion on India's alleged interference in Canada's internal affairs. More than half (53%) were aware of the claims, and nearly 68% were concerned about the reported interference. “Amidst the broader discussion, 30% of Canadians believe Sikh-Canadians face unfair scrutiny due to the actions of a small minority involved in separatist activities, while 33% disagree and 37% remain unsure,” the agency added.

India is the "second most active country engaging in electoral foreign interference in Canada," according to the final findings of a foreign interference investigation released on Tuesday. According to the survey, the only country that had a stronger influence on the nation's democratic processes was China.

The Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions, led by Justice Marie-Josee Hogue, concluded with the following report, “India is the second most active country engaging in electoral foreign interference in Canada. Like the PRC (People’s Republic of China), India is a critical actor on the world stage.”

On the other hand, the report seemed to agree that India has legitimate concerns about the pro-Khalistan movement in Canada. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), according to the study, “India has some legitimate basis for concerns about the security threat posed by Khalistani extremism in Canada. Some extremists have engaged in threat-related activities directed at India from within Canada, notably by coordinating and funding terrorist activities in India.”

But, it added, as per CSIS, “the vast majority of Khalistan supporters are peaceful.” “India does not appear to differentiate between lawful pro-Khalistan political advocacy and the relatively small number of Canada-based Khalistani violent extremists,” it added.