​Changed circumstances: On the U.S., India and extremism concerns

In the first acknowledged discussion on the Pannun episode and anti-India activities by pro-Khalistani groups in the U.S. since the Donald Trump administration took office, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh raised the issue in a meeting with U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. He urged the U.S. to designate Sikhs For Justice, led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, as a foreign terrorist organisation, citing its anti-India activities on American soil and its alleged backing by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence. However, recent allegations that Indian agencies attempted targeted killings of Khalistani sympathisers have strained bilateral ties with Canada and the U.S. Relations with the then Trudeau administration in Canada were tense, while under the Biden administration, India faced significant diplomatic pressure after a U.S. investigation charged an Indian citizen — allegedly linked to the Research and Analysis Wing — with orchestrating a plot to kill Pannun. While India continues to push for action against anti-India and separatist groups, it must however ensure that its efforts do not impact the by and large cohesive Indian diaspora abroad, nor affect India’s diplomatic relationships with partners.