A self-proclaimed “Embassy of the Republic of Khalistan” has been launched in Surrey, Canada, inside the former Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara once led by slain separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The banned group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) set up the symbolic embassy amid growing preparations for a Khalistan referendum, a move fiercely opposed by India. The building reportedly received $150,000 in public funds from the British Columbia government for installing an elevator, raising eyebrows amid the controversy.
This development adds to the diplomatic strain between India and Canada, already tense after Nijjar’s assassination in 2023 and Canada’s recent warnings about Khalistani extremist threats on its soil. India accuses Canada of providing safe haven to separatists, while Canada faces increasing pressure to clamp down on extremist activities. The embassy’s creation risks further complicating fragile ties and overshadowing ongoing efforts to restore normal bilateral relations.
