Defence Minister Highlights India's Concerns Over Anti-India Activities on US Soil
In New Delhi, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh meets with Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence for the United States. (X/Rajnathsingh)
New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called on the United States to take decisive action against the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), citing its continued anti-India activities on American soil. Singh raised the issue during his meeting with US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in New Delhi, urging Washington to crack down on the organization led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, sources told news agency ANI.
The meeting, held on Monday, was part of Gabbard’s two-and-a-half-day visit to India, marking a significant engagement between the two nations on security and strategic cooperation.
India Calls for US Action on SFJ
During the discussions, Singh expressed India’s growing concerns over SFJ’s alleged separatist propaganda and its influence on extremist elements abroad. The US-based group, which has been banned in India, continues to push its pro-Khalistan agenda, drawing strong reactions from New Delhi.
The talks gained added significance in the wake of the US indictment of an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, who was accused of plotting to assassinate Pannun last year. American prosecutors had claimed that an Indian government official was involved in the conspiracy, an allegation India has strongly denied, asserting its commitment to an impartial investigation.
Pannun, who holds dual citizenship in the US and Canada, is wanted in India on terrorism-related charges and has been designated a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Strategic Talks on Defence, Intelligence Sharing
Apart from discussions on SFJ, Singh and Gabbard explored ways to enhance India-US strategic cooperation, particularly in the fields of defence innovation, intelligence sharing, and counterterrorism efforts. The Defence Ministry said in a statement that both sides deliberated on strengthening interoperability and defence industrial supply chains, aligning with their broader global security partnership.
Singh later took to social media to underscore the importance of the meeting.
"Happy to have met the US Director of National Intelligence Ms. @TulsiGabbard in New Delhi. We discussed a wide range of issues which include defence and information sharing, aiming to further deepen the India-US partnership," he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Gabbard’s High-Profile Visit to India
Gabbard, a key official in Donald Trump’s administration, arrived in India on Sunday as part of a multi-nation tour covering Japan, Thailand, and France. Before meeting Singh, she held talks with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and attended a high-level global intelligence conclave hosted by India.
Her discussions with Doval focused on strengthening intelligence cooperation, counterterrorism strategies, and enhancing security collaboration between the two nations, aligning with their shared geopolitical interests.
Growing India-US Security Cooperation
India and the US have significantly deepened their defence and intelligence ties in recent years, particularly in countering global terrorism and addressing emerging security threats. Gabbard’s visit reinforces Washington’s commitment to engaging closely with New Delhi on regional and global security challenges.
With India pushing for stronger action against separatist elements operating abroad, the coming months could see intensified diplomatic efforts and closer coordination on security matters.
Final Thoughts
Rajnath Singh’s firm stance on SFJ underscores India’s zero-tolerance policy on separatism and terrorism. His meeting with Tulsi Gabbard signals an increasing convergence between India and the US on tackling extremist groups that pose threats to national security. As both nations work toward a more secure and stable Indo-Pacific region, intelligence-sharing and counterterrorism cooperation are set to remain key pillars of their strategic partnership.
