India Urges US To Designate Sikhs For Justice As a Terrorist Organization, Source Claims

India has formally requested that the United States designate Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a pro-Khalistan separatist group, as a terrorist organization. This request comes over a year after US authorities publicly revealed they had thwarted an alleged assassination plot linked to India targeting a key SFJ leader in the US.

Background On The Assassination Plot

In November 2023, the US disclosed that it had foiled an attempt to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the general counsel of SFJ and a dual US-Canadian citizen. Following an investigation, a former officer of India’s intelligence service was charged with orchestrating the plot. The revelation strained diplomatic ties between Washington and New Delhi, testing their otherwise growing strategic partnership.

India has denied any official involvement in the alleged conspiracy, maintaining that it has no role in extrajudicial operations. In response to US accusations, India established an investigative panel, which in January 2024 recommended legal action against an unnamed individual. However, the specifics of the case remain classified.

India’s Official Request To The US

According to a senior Indian government source, the request to classify SFJ as a terrorist organization was made during high-level talks between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and visiting US National Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard. As the discussions were confidential, the source declined to provide further details.

Indian media outlets have also reported on the request, signaling the country’s increasing pressure on international partners to act against Sikh separatist movements.

Who is Sikhs For Justice (SFJ)?

Founded in 2007, SFJ is a pro-Khalistan organization that advocates for an independent Sikh state separate from India. The group primarily operates outside India, organizing referendums and lobbying for international support for its cause. The Indian government banned SFJ as an “unlawful association” in 2019, citing its support for extremist and secessionist activities. Additionally, in 2020, Indian authorities designated Pannun as an “individual terrorist.”

SFJ has consistently denied accusations of extremism, claiming its activities are peaceful and democratic. Pannun, responding to India’s request to the US, challenged New Delhi’s stance.

“Who is the terrorist? Is it SFJ, which is peacefully and democratically organizing the Global Khalistan Referendum to liberate Punjab from Indian occupation?” Pannun said in a statement shared with Reuters. “Or is it (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi’s India, which engages in violent transnational repression and hires hitmen to assassinate Khalistan Referendum organizers?”

Diplomatic Fallout and International Reactions

India’s efforts to counter Sikh separatist movements have led to diplomatic tensions with other nations, particularly Canada. In June 2023, the killing of another Sikh separatist leader in Canada further strained relations between New Delhi and Ottawa. Canada has accused India of involvement in the assassination, a claim that India has strongly denied.

The US has so far not issued an official response to India’s latest request. A spokesperson for the US Embassy in India stated that they had nothing to add beyond the joint statement released by the Indian Defence Ministry after the talks between Singh and Gabbard. That statement focused on strengthening security ties between the two nations but made no mention of SFJ.

Gabbard’s team and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence have not yet responded to requests for comment. However, speaking at a geopolitical conference in New Delhi, Gabbard acknowledged India’s concerns. “During my trip, I’ve heard from my Indian counterparts about the very serious concerns that you have here for your own security interests,” she stated, without elaborating further.

The Road Ahead For India-US Relations

India’s push to classify SFJ as a terrorist organization reflects its broader strategy to curb Sikh separatist movements both domestically and internationally. Whether the US will act on this request remains to be seen. The issue also raises broader questions about transnational security, sovereignty, and the role of intelligence operations in international diplomacy.

As discussions continue, the evolving dynamics between India, the US, and other global players will shape the next steps in addressing Sikh separatism and ensuring stability in bilateral relations.

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