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The article details a controversial meeting between the White House and pro-Khalistan Sikh groups just hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United States for a three-day official visit. This meeting, which comes amid concerns about the sheltering of Khalistani separatists in both Canada and the US, has ignited tensions between India and its key allies.
The White House assured the Sikh groups of protection from “any transnational aggression on its soil,” highlighting its commitment to safeguarding American citizens. This statement, however, fuels further apprehension in India as the US has not explicitly commented on its stance on providing shelter to elements linked to the Khalistan movement, which is considered a terrorist organization in India. Canada, on the other hand, has defended its stance, calling it a matter of “freedom of speech.”
India has strongly condemned the US meeting and Canada’s stance, emphasizing that freedom of speech does not extend to supporting separatism or threatening foreign diplomats. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has also raised concerns about the dubious backgrounds of some individuals seeking asylum in Canada, questioning the country’s prioritization of vote-bank politics over the rule of law.
The meeting, held within the official White House complex, involved representatives from the American Sikh Caucus Committee, the Sikh Coalition, and the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF). Pritpal Singh, founder of the American Sikh Caucus Committee, expressed gratitude for the US government’s efforts in protecting Sikh Americans, while also urging them to take further steps. This meeting marks the first instance of the US National Security Council engaging with Sikh separatists.
Adding to the existing tension, the US Congressman Adam Schiff introduced the “Transnational Repression Reporting Act 2024,” which requires the Attorney General to report cases of transnational repression against individuals in the US. This bill has been supported by groups like SALDEF, which has openly advocated for Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and blamed India for his killing.
Meanwhile, Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, residing in the US, filed a civil lawsuit against the Government of India and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. This case, involving allegations of “working with an Indian government employee” to harm Pannun, has further strained relations between the two nations. While US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has assured India that this case will not affect the bilateral relationship, the ongoing tensions surrounding the Khalistan issue remain a significant source of concern for India.
Source: Hours Before PM Modi Lands In US, White House Engages Pro-Khalistan Groups