Mon Mar 17 12:01:01 UTC 2025: ## India Urges US Action Against Khalistani Group Operating from American Soil

**New Delhi, March 17, 2025** – India has renewed its call for the United States to take action against the banned Khalistani terrorist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and its leader, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who faces 104 criminal cases in India. The request was made during a meeting between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who is currently on a multi-nation tour of the Indo-Pacific.

The SFJ, operating from US soil, is linked to anti-India activities, including threats against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. National Security Advisor Doval also raised the issue with Gabbard, emphasizing concerns about anti-India elements operating from within the US. This follows a similar discussion between Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump last month, where they pledged to expand law enforcement cooperation to combat organized crime, including narco-terrorists and groups with links to the Khalistani network. While President Trump was asked about Khalistani groups in the US during a joint press conference, he did not offer a direct answer.

India’s request comes amidst ongoing diplomatic tension with Canada and the US, who have accused India of targeting Khalistani figures abroad. These accusations include allegations of Indian involvement in the attempted assassination of Pannun and the killing of Hardeep Nijjar in Vancouver. India has vehemently denied these allegations. A Canadian inquiry report found no definitive link between Nijjar’s death and a foreign state, and Prime Minister Trudeau later admitted to lacking concrete evidence to support his claims. An Indian inquiry committee investigating the alleged assassination plot against Pannun recommended legal action against a former Indian intelligence officer.

India has consistently urged Western countries, including the US, UK, and Canada, to crack down on Khalistani sympathizers and terrorists operating within their borders, citing the abuse of freedom of speech and democratic freedoms to glorify terrorism and threaten attacks against India. The meeting between Singh and Gabbard, during which they discussed defense cooperation and intelligence sharing, underscores the importance India places on addressing this issue with its strategic partner. Gabbard is scheduled to address the Raisina Dialogue on Tuesday.

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