Socalled ‘Embassy of Khalistan’ Board Established in Canadian Gurdwara Premises Triggers Sharp Response from Ruling BJP in India
Babushahi Network Bureau
Surrey (Canada), August 5, 2025 – A major diplomatic storm is brewing after a signboard proclaiming an “Embassy of Khalistan” surfaced on the premises of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. The so-called “embassy” is reportedly linked to the proscribed separatist outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), and the building housing it is believed to have been constructed with funds from the Government of British Columbia.
The board bearing the title “Republic of Khalistan” was installed on a structure within the gurdwara complex, a known community hub. This is a known fact that the British Columbia government recently provided $150,000 in public funds for the installation of an elevator in the same building. A Community Centre building was also reported to be constructed with government funding.This is the same Gurdwara which was controlled by anti-India and pro-Khalistani groups led by Hardip Singh Nijjar who had been killed outside the same complex.
The development has evoked a strong backlash in India, with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson and senior Sikh leader RP Singh issuing a stinging statement accusing Canada of harboring extremism.
“Canada has effectively opened a Serpentarium — a breeding ground for extremism and separatists,” said RP Singh.
“This goes beyond poor judgment. It’s a direct violation of international conventions like the Vienna Convention, which only recognizes diplomatic missions of sovereign nations, not imaginary separatist states.”
Singh invoked former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s warning to Pakistan:
“You can’t keep snakes in your backyard and expect them only to bite your neighbours. Eventually, those snakes are going to turn on you.”
He accused Canada of making the same mistake by allowing extremist elements to use its territory for anti-India activities under the garb of freedom of expression.
The controversy comes on the heels of a recent report by Canada’s own intelligence agency — Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) — which admitted that Khalistani extremists continue to use Canadian soil to fundraise, promote, and plan violence targeting India.
Call for Strong Diplomatic Action
RP Singh urged India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, to take swift and decisive diplomatic steps, including:
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Immediate clarification from the Canadian government
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Withdrawal of all official or indirect support to separatist activities
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Action against those inciting violence and sedition against India
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“This is not free speech — it’s state-enabled sedition against a friendly democracy,” Singh said.
“India will not be a silent spectator when its sovereignty is mocked on foreign soil.”
He further questioned Canada’s global stance:
“Are you nurturing democracy — or incubating terrorism? Are you enabling free speech — or emboldening secessionist violence?”
The incident has added fresh strain to already fragile Indo-Canadian relations, especially in the aftermath of diplomatic tensions over pro-Khalistani activities in Canada. Recently PMs of both countries have recently decided to appoint hIgh Commissioners.