New Khalistan office in Canada draws strong protest from India

Khalistan-India-Canada-(Special Correspondent/Web desk) – Surrey, British Columbia — In a move that has sparked controversy and fresh debate, pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice, along with the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Temple, has inaugurated what they are calling the “Embassy of Khalistan” in Surrey.

The so-called embassy, located within the premises of the gurdwara, features a prominent sign reading “Republic of Khalistan.” Organisers say the space will serve as a symbolic representation of the separatist cause, which advocates for an independent Sikh homeland carved out of India’s Punjab region.

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According to local reports, the provincial government of British Columbia has indirectly supported the site’s infrastructure. This includes funding for the gurdwara building itself and a recent allocation of $150,000 for the installation of an elevator. While officials have not commented on the political significance of the embassy, the funding details have raised eyebrows in New Delhi.

The opening comes at a delicate moment in India–Canada relations. Both nations have been working to strengthen diplomatic and trade ties following months of strain over allegations and counter-allegations linked to the Khalistan movement. For India, the move is seen as a setback, with officials expected to lodge formal protests through diplomatic channels.

In Canada, supporters of the embassy argue it represents the community’s right to free expression under Canadian law, while critics warn it could inflame tensions and hurt bilateral cooperation. Analysts say the timing of the launch could undermine ongoing efforts to restore trust between the two countries.

With both sides treading carefully, the Khalistan “embassy” has quickly become another flashpoint in an already sensitive chapter of India–Canada relations.