Tue Mar 18 13:04:22 UTC 2025: ## India Urges US to Designate Sikh Separatist Group as Terrorist Organization
**NEW DELHI, March 19, 2025** – The Indian government has formally requested that the United States designate Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a Sikh separatist group, as a terrorist organization. This request comes over a year after the US revealed it had thwarted an alleged plot, with alleged Indian links, to assassinate SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
The request was made during talks between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, according to an unnamed Indian government source. While the Indian defence ministry spokesperson declined to comment, Indian media outlets have also reported on the request. A US Embassy spokesperson referred to a previous statement on deepening security ties, which did not mention the SFJ.
SFJ, formed in 2007, advocates for a separate Sikh state called Khalistan through referendums. India already declared SFJ an “unlawful association” in 2019 and Pannun an “individual terrorist” in 2020. Pannun, a dual US-Canadian citizen, vehemently denies the accusations, questioning who the real terrorists are and suggesting India is engaging in “violent transnational repression.”
The US investigation into the alleged assassination plot, which involved charges against a former Indian spy service officer, strained relations briefly in 2023. India denied any official involvement and launched its own inquiry.
This latest development adds another layer of complexity to the already tense relationship between India and certain Sikh separatist groups, further highlighting the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. The US response to India’s request remains to be seen.
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