Move by Pro-Khalistan Group Sparks Diplomatic Tensions Between New Delhiand Ottawa
*Surrey, Canada – August 6, 2025:*In a bold and controversial move, a pro-Khalistan Sikh group hasinaugurated what it calls the “First Sikh Embassy” in Surrey, BritishColumbia. The symbolic diplomatic mission, unveiled over the weekend, isbeing touted by organizers as a milestone in their long-standing demand fora separate Sikh homeland, Khalistan. The development has drawn sharpcriticism and formal protests from the Indian government.
The so-called “Sikh Embassy” was opened with a public ceremony attended bymembers of the diaspora, community leaders, and activists associated withthe separatist movement. The facility reportedly displays the Khalistanflag and symbols, and aims to serve as a representative office for theso-called “Sikh Republic of Khalistan”—a concept not recognized by anysovereign state, including Canada.
Indian authorities swiftly reacted to the news, calling the act a “directchallenge to India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” New Delhi hasformally lodged a protest with the Canadian government, demanding immediateaction to shut down the symbolic embassy and curb any secessionistactivities being carried out on Canadian soil.
“This so-called ’embassy’ is nothing but a propaganda outlet forextremists,” a spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs said.“We urge the Canadian authorities to take concrete steps against thosepromoting violence, hate, and secessionist agendas under the guise of freeexpression.”
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Canada, on the other hand, has maintained its stance on upholding the rightto freedom of expression and assembly, even when it includes controversialpolitical views. However, Canadian officials have yet to issue a formalresponse to India’s diplomatic note.
The emergence of this symbolic office comes at a time when relationsbetween India and Canada are already strained over the issue of allegedSikh extremist activities in the country. Tensions escalated further in2023 after the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominentKhalistani figure, in Surrey—a case that remains under investigation byCanadian authorities.
Political analysts warn that the move could deepen the rift between the twocountries and complicate diplomatic relations going forward. While the”Sikh Embassy” has no legal or diplomatic standing under international law,its symbolic value is seen as a provocation by India and a rallying pointby separatist groups abroad.