India Calls on US to Label Khalistani Group SFJ as a Terrorist Organization
- MGMMTeam
- Mar 18
- 2 min read
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has requested US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, to classify Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) as a terrorist organization, citing its connections to terrorist groups and Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, sources informed The Indian Express on Monday.
During his meeting with Gabbard in New Delhi, Singh highlighted the threat posed by SFJ, a pro-Khalistan separatist group that was banned by India in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Later, Gabbard had meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. In a post on X, Modi said, “Glad to welcome @TulsiGabbard to India. Exchanged views on further advancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Both countries are committed to combating terrorism and enhancing maritime and cyber security cooperation.”
Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance Gathers in India
Gabbard participated in a high-level intelligence conference on Sunday, hosted by NSA Ajit Doval, R&AW Chief Ravi Sinha, and IB Director Tapan Deka. The meeting brought together intelligence leaders from the Five Eyes alliance, comprising the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Notable attendees included:
Daniel Rogers, Chief of Canada’s CSIS
Jonathan Powell, UK’s National Security Advisor
Andrew Hampton, New Zealand’s intelligence head
Although Australia’s intelligence chief, Andrew Shearer, was unable to attend, a senior Australian official was present.
The discussions take place against the backdrop of ongoing tensions following allegations of an assassination plot against SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the U.S. and the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India has firmly denied any involvement, dismissing the claims as “absurd” and “politically motivated.”
Enhancing India-US Defense Partnership
After the meeting, Singh shared a post on X, “Happy to have met the US Director of National Intelligence Ms @TulsiGabbard in New Delhi. We discussed a wide range of issues including defence and information sharing, aiming to further deepen the India-US partnership.”
A statement from the Ministry of Defence underscored the strengthening India-US bilateral defence partnership. The leaders stressed the importance of military collaboration, strategic security, and defence industrial integration as essential pillars of their alliance.
The discussions also delved into:
Collaborative military drills
Exchange of information in maritime security
Progress in defense technology and innovation
Enhancing defense industrial supply networks
Singh also commended Gabbard’s admiration for Indian culture, emphasizing that such appreciation enhances Indo-US relations.
Gabbard Backs Trump’s Stance on Terrorism
In an interview with ANI, Gabbard reaffirmed Donald Trump's dedication to combating Islamist terrorism, emphasizing that it continues to pose a direct threat to the US and its allies.
When questioned about Pakistan's involvement in terror attacks on India, she responded, “President Trump has been very clear about his commitment to defeating Islamist terrorism. We see how it has impacted India, Bangladesh, Syria, Israel, and other Middle Eastern nations. Prime Minister Modi takes this threat seriously, and both countries will work together to counter it.”
She also committed to keeping the U.S. intelligence community focused on national security and truth-seeking, ensuring President Trump has the information needed to make informed decisions.
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