. A change now – The US seems to be more receptive to India’s concerns about Sikh extremism

Context

In the first acknowledged discussion on the Pannun episode and anti-India activities by pro-Khalistani groups in the U.S. since the Donald Trump administration took office, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh raised the issue in a meeting with U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

He urged the U.S. to designate Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, as a foreign terrorist organisation, citing its anti-India activities on American soil and its alleged backing by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Founded in 2007 by Pannun, a U.S.-based attorney, the SFJ advocates “self determination” for Sikhs in their “historic homeland” of Punjab, seeking to establish a sovereign state of Khalistan. The Indian government banned the organisation in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for anti-India activities.

The Khalistani insurgency remains a dark chapter in India’s history, having led to the assassination of a Prime Minister. Its resurgence in several western countries has been a growing concern for India. Pro-Khalistani protests, often turning aggressive, have become a pattern.

The conference, now in its fourth edition, took place a day before the annual Raisina Dialogue, the flagship conference of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), co-organised with the Observer Research Foundation.

Raisina Dialogue

India’s flagship international conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, organized annually.

Aims to bring together global leaders, policymakers, academics, and strategic experts.

Started in: 2016, as an initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Observer Research Foundation (ORF).

Ministry Involved: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Foster global discussions on diplomacy, security, and economic policies.

Enhance India’s role as a key player in international affairs.

Strengthen cooperation between nations on pressing global issues.