NEW DELHI: Union defence minister Rajnath Singh, during his meeting with US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard, raised the issue of Khalistani extremists operating against Indian interests on American soil.
In the talks that took place on Monday, the minister highlighted the anti-India activities of the Khalistani organisation SFJ (Sikh For Justice), which is banned in the country for working against India’s national security.
“India expressed its concerns and asked the US Admin to take strong action against the unlawful organisation,” sources told news agency ANI.
US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard held bilateral discussions with Rajnath Singh, focusing on boosting defence and security ties between the two countries.
During the meeting, ways to enhance defence and security ties were discussed, news agency PTI reported quoting sources.
“Happy to have met the US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in New Delhi. We discussed a wide range of issues which include defence and information sharing, aiming to further deepen the India-US partnership,” Rajnath Singh said after the meeting.
This comes a day after national security advisor Ajit Doval met Gabbard, who is on a two-and-half-day trip to India. The meeting between Doval and Gabbard primarily addressed intelligence sharing and security collaboration, aligning with the India-US strategic partnership, and was a “good discussion.”
What is Sikh for Justice?
Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) is a US-based organisation that advocates for a separate Sikh state called “Khalistan,” independent from India.
Founded in 2007 by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, SFJ primarily engages in legal activism, lobbying, and organising referendums to promote its separatist agenda.
The Indian government banned the organization in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), labelling it as a separatist group promoting terrorism and secessionist activities.
The SFJ is involved in activities to revive the Khalistan movement, which sought an independent Sikh state in the 1980s and led to violent insurgency in Punjab. The SFJ is also backed by foreign entities, including Pakistan’s intelligence agency (ISI), to destabilise the country by exploiting Sikh grievances.
India has taken diplomatic and legal measures to curb SFJ’s activities. It has urged countries like the US, Canada, and the UK to take action against the group even in the past, especially its leader and designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who faces multiple cases in India.
The Indian government has also blocked SFJ’s websites, seized assets of key members, and taken strict action against individuals involved in its anti-India campaigns.