Indian intelligence agencies have cautioned about a security risk to the Indian diaspora in Canada and the United Kingdom. There are concerns that elements associated with the Pakistan-based Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) and Khalistani extremists are planning a series of attacks on individuals perceived as supporters of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The agencies have observed a surge in hate crimes and violence against the Indian diaspora in both countries, allegedly orchestrated by Khalistan-linked groups.
An Intelligence Bureau official revealed that the ISI, supporting the Khalistan movement, has activated its Europe-based modules to escalate attacks on the Indian community in the UK and Canada. These incidents are now believed to be part of a more organized and coordinated campaign rather than isolated events. The official emphasized that the ISI is strategizing a sequence of attacks targeting the Indian diaspora, labeling them as pro-India or Modi supporters as a pretext for the assaults.
The change in the ISI’s approach is attributed to mounting frustration over the sluggish progress of the Khalistan movement. The official also mentioned plans to target not only the Indian diaspora but also the Indian agencies involved in uncovering and investigating Khalistani-related cases. Indian security officials, closely monitoring the Khalistan movement, have noted limited success in the movement’s revival efforts.
Officials highlighted that the ISI intends to employ its gangster network to carry out violent attacks, utilizing local gangsters in India and coordinating through modules in Europe. Support for the Khalistan movement in the UK and Canada has significantly waned in recent years, with a shift in perception among the local population. The focus has shifted towards criminal activities like extortion, narcotic, and arms smuggling, leading to a decline in sympathy for the Khalistani cause.
The alleged plans to target the Indian diaspora are seen as a message to India amid improved relations with Canada and the UK. The officials noted the recent diplomatic progress between India and Canada, facilitated by meetings between Prime Minister Modi and his Canadian counterpart, as a significant development. The improvement in ties has enabled Indian agencies to confront Khalistani elements that previously operated from Canadian soil.
