Khalistani Activities in US: India has expressed its concerns over anti-India activities by the Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice operating in the United States. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh raised the issue during a meeting with US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Monday. Singh urged the US administration to take strong action against the group.
The meeting between Singh and Gabbard focused on strengthening India-US strategic ties, with an emphasis on defense and intelligence sharing. According to an official statement, both leaders agreed that strategic security is a key part of the partnership between the two nations.
“Rajnath Singh and Tulsi Gabbard reviewed the significant strides made in the areas of military exercises, strategic cooperation, integration of defence industrial supply chains and information-sharing cooperation, especially in the maritime domain, between India and US,” the statement said, reported by News 18.
“The two leaders explored avenues for collaboration in cutting-edge defence innovation and niche technologies, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing mutual strategic interests. Additionally, they addressed key areas such as enhancing interoperability and fostering greater integration of defence industrial supply chains to bolster resilience and innovation,” it added.
Gabbard’s visit to India
Gabbard’s visit to India marks the first high-level visit from a Trump administration official. Before meeting Singh, she held discussions with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Sunday. They talked about enhancing intelligence sharing and security cooperation between the two countries.
Gabbard also attended a conclave of global intelligence chiefs hosted by India. Representatives from the US, Canada, and the UK were present. The closed-door discussions focused on intelligence sharing, counterterrorism efforts, emerging technology threats, and Indo-Pacific security.
During the meeting, India raised concerns about anti-India elements operating from foreign soil, including pro-Khalistan groups. The conclave also addressed global challenges such as the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East.
Gabbard is on a multi-nation tour that includes stops in Japan, Thailand, and France.
Khalistani Activities in US
Recently, a Hindu temple in California was vandalized with “anti-India” graffiti by pro-Khalistani protesters. India strongly condemned the act. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called such acts “despicable” and urged local authorities to ensure adequate security for places of worship. This incident occurred just ten days after a similar attack on the BAPS Temple in New York. Last year, similar incidents took place at other Hindu temples.
India has accused the Sikhs for Justice group of spreading anti-India propaganda by organizing protests and filing “baseless” cases against Indian dignitaries in the US and other countries. The Indian government has consistently raised concerns with authorities in Canada and the US about the actions of SFJ and other pro-Khalistan leaders, including their involvement in inciting violence against Indian diplomats and missions.
