India asks US to label Sikhs for Justice as terrorist group
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged Tulsi Gabbard, US Director of National Intelligence, to designate Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) as a terrorist outfit. During their meeting in New Delhi, Singh highlighted SFJ’s links with terror groups and Pakistan’s ISI.
Key Meetings with US and Five Eyes Officials
Gabbard later met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Modi, in a post on X, emphasized the India-US commitment to fighting terrorism and strengthening cyber and maritime security. Gabbard also attended an intelligence conference led by NSA Ajit Doval, with intelligence chiefs from the US, UK, Canada, and New Zealand.
This request comes amid India’s tensions with the US and Canada over allegations of assassination plots against Khalistan separatists Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Five Eyes alliance has shared intelligence on these cases, but India has dismissed the accusations as baseless and politically motivated.
Strengthening India-US Defence Ties
The Ministry of Defence described Singh and Gabbard’s discussion as “productive.” They reviewed India-US military exercises, defence supply chain integration, and intelligence-sharing, particularly in maritime security. Singh thanked Gabbard for her admiration of Indian culture, reinforcing diplomatic ties.
Gabbard reiterated President Trump’s commitment to defeating Islamist terrorism, citing threats to the US, India, and global security. She emphasized the US intelligence community’s role in providing accurate information to support Trump’s decisions.
As India and the US deepen their strategic partnership, Singh’s request to designate SFJ as a terrorist group could test diplomatic relations amid ongoing global security concerns.
