6 hours ago
Last Updated:March 17, 2025, 15:30 IST
India raised concerns about anti-India elements operating from foreign soil, including pro-Khalistan groups, in the United States. This came days after a Hindu temple in California.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with US Director of Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. (Rajnath Singh/X)
India has expressed concern over anti-India activities by the Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) operating in the United States, during a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Director of Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Monday.
Sources told ANI that during the meeting, Singh requested the US administration to take strong action against the group. The meeting between Singh and Gabbard on Monday focused on strengthening India-US strategic ties, with an emphasis on defence and intelligence sharing.
Gabbard’s visit to India marks the first high-level visit from a Trump administration official. Her discussions with Singh followed a meeting with Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Sunday, where they explored ways to enhance intelligence sharing and security cooperation.
Gabbard also attended a conclave of global intelligence chiefs hosted by India, which included US, Canadian, and UK representatives. The closed-door discussions centred around intelligence sharing, counterterrorism efforts, emerging technology threats, and Indo-Pacific security.
Concerns about anti-India elements operating from foreign soil, including pro-Khalistan groups, were raised by the Indian side. The conclave also saw discussions on global challenges such as the Russia-Ukraine war and Middle East conflicts. Gabbard’s multi-nation tour includes stops in Japan, Thailand, and France.
On March 9, a Hindu temple was vandalised with “anti-India" graffiti by pro-Khalistani protesters in California, prompting strong condemnation from India. Terming such acts “despicable", Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the local authorities should ensure adequate security in places of worship.
This incident took place ten days after a similar incident at the BAPS Temple in New York. Similar incidents also took place in Hindu temples last year.
India has also alleged that the pro-Khalistan group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) is spreading anti-India propaganda by organising protests and filing “baseless" cases against Indian dignitaries in the United States and other countries. India has accused SFJ of involvement in “anti-national and subversive activities".
The Indian government has consistently raised concerns with the authorities in Canada and the US about the actions of Pannun and other pro-Khalistan leaders, including their involvement in inciting violence against Indian diplomats and diplomatic missions in those nations.
(with inputs from agencies)
Location : First Published:March 17, 2025, 15:30 IST
News india Rajnath Singh Raises Concerns Over Khalistani Activities In Meeting With Tulsi Gabbard: Report
