Mon Mar 17 14:30:00 UTC 2025: ## India Urges US to Designate Sikh Separatist Group as Terrorist Organization
**New Delhi, India** – Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has formally requested the United States to designate the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a pro-Khalistan separatist group, as a terrorist organization. The request, made during a meeting with US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, highlights India’s concerns about the SFJ’s alleged ties to terrorist groups and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
The request comes at a sensitive time for Indo-US relations. India is currently facing allegations in a US court regarding an assassination plot against SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, and Canadian authorities are investigating the killing of another Khalistan separatist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Intelligence regarding the Nijjar plot was reportedly shared among the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which includes the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. India vehemently denies any involvement in Nijjar’s death.
Gabbard, who also met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, attended a conference of intelligence chiefs hosted by India. While the meeting’s specifics haven’t been publicly released, Modi stated on X (formerly Twitter) that discussions focused on advancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and combating terrorism.
The SFJ was banned in India in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and Pannun was designated a terrorist in 2020. Despite this, India’s push for US designation underscores the perceived threat posed by the group and the importance of international cooperation in countering terrorism. The Defence Ministry described Singh’s meeting with Gabbard as “productive,” emphasizing the growing strength of the India-US defence partnership and commitment to information sharing, particularly in the maritime domain.
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