India Urges U.S. to Designate Sikh Separatist Group as Terrorist Organization
NEW DELHI, March 19 – In the first acknowledged discussion on the Pannun episode and anti-India activities by pro-Khalistani groups under the Donald Trump administration, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh raised concerns over the issue with U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard during a meeting in New Delhi.
Singh urged the U.S. to designate Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, as a foreign terrorist organization, citing its anti-India activities on American soil and its alleged backing by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The meeting took place as Gabbard attended the annual Intelligence and Security Chiefs Conference, chaired by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, a day before the flagship Raisina Dialogue hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Founded in 2007 by Pannun, a U.S.-based attorney, the SFJ advocates for Sikh “self-determination” in Punjab, seeking to establish an independent state of Khalistan. The Indian government banned the organization in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for its alleged involvement in anti-India activities.
The resurgence of pro-Khalistani activities in several Western nations has raised concerns in India, particularly as protests linked to the movement have turned aggressive. Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar faced pro-Khalistan demonstrations during a visit to London, prompting India to lodge a strong diplomatic protest with the U.K.
India has long expressed frustration over what it perceives as a lackluster response from countries such as Canada and the U.K. in addressing Khalistani separatism. However, recent allegations of Indian intelligence involvement in targeted killings of Khalistani sympathizers have strained relations with both Canada and the U.S. The Biden administration exerted diplomatic pressure on India after a U.S. investigation charged an Indian citizen—allegedly linked to the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)—with orchestrating a plot to assassinate Pannun. The case was serious enough that National Security Adviser Doval did not accompany Prime Minister Narendra Modi on an official visit to the U.S.
The Trump administration, by contrast, appears less inclined to escalate the matter and may be more receptive to India’s concerns. While India continues to push for action against anti-India and separatist groups abroad, it must carefully balance these efforts to avoid unintended consequences for the broader Indian diaspora and its diplomatic relationships with key international partners.
