Khalistan Movement
India's Internal Security and Diaspora Diplomacy
The Khalistan movement emerged in the 1970s–80s as a demand for a separate Sikh state in Punjab. Following Operation Blue Star (June 1984) and the assassination of PM Indira Gandhi (October 1984), the movement turned violent and was suppressed through the early 1990s. It has since revived primarily as a diaspora phenomenon — concentrated in Canada, UK, and Australia — with limited support within Punjab itself. India's key demand from Western governments is the designation of Khalistani organisations as terrorist groups and prosecution of individuals who glorify or finance terrorist activity.
- Key banned organisations (UAPA): Khalistan Tiger Force, Khalistan Commando Force, Babbar Khalsa International, International Sikh Youth Federation — all banned under UAPA's First Schedule
- Operation Blue Star: June 3–6, 1984 — Indian Army operation at the Golden Temple, Amritsar; over 400 civilian casualties (official); PM Indira Gandhi assassinated October 31, 1984 by her Sikh bodyguards
- Canada's legal framework: Canada bans organisations, not movements; several Khalistan-linked individuals have been charged in Canada (Nijjar killing trial accused); Canada's Babbar Khalsa International: listed as a terrorist organisation by Canada, UK, EU, India, and US
- India's position: Western tolerance of open pro-Khalistan activism (including referendums organised by Sikhs for Justice on Canadian soil) constitutes interference in India's internal affairs
- India-Canada consular dispute: Following the 2023–24 crisis, India scaled down its High Commission operations in Canada, limiting visa services
● Tracked since February 24, 2026 · last seen April 28, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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