In a significant development, the White House met with a group of Sikh activists supporting the Khalistan movement just hours before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival in the United States for a three-day official visit. The meeting, attended by members of the American Sikh Caucus Committee, Sikh Coalition, and Sikh American Legal Defence and Education Fund (SALDEF), saw US officials assure the group of their commitment to protecting citizens from "transnational aggression" on American soil.

This comes amid rising tensions between India and nations like Canada and the US, which are accused of harboring Khalistani separatists. While India has banned Khalistan-linked organizations due to their history of terrorism, Canada has controversially defended such elements under "freedom of speech." External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar previously countered that freedom of speech should not justify support for separatism or violence.

The White House’s engagement with these Sikh groups marks a shift in US diplomacy, particularly as it coincides with Prime Minister Modi’s visit. Pritpal Singh, founder of the American Sikh Caucus Committee, expressed gratitude for US vigilance in protecting the Sikh community and emphasized the need for continued protection.

Notably, the meeting occurred as US Congressman Adam Schiff introduced the "Transnational Repression Reporting Act 2024," which aims to prevent foreign repression against individuals in the United States. Sikh groups, including SALDEF, have voiced support for the bill.

In a related case, Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, designated as a terrorist by India, filed a civil lawsuit against the Indian government and top officials, including National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. A US court in New York has issued summons in the case, seeking a response from India within 21 days. Pannun, known for his incendiary speeches and involvement in terror activities, remains a controversial figure.

Despite these tensions, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti emphasized that the case would not affect broader US-India relations. With Prime Minister Modi’s visit underway, the spotlight is on how both nations navigate this complex issue of Khalistan separatism, transnational law, and diplomacy.

In a significant development, the White House met with a group of Sikh activists supporting the Khalistan movement just hours before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival in the United States for a three-day official visit. The meeting, attended by members of the American Sikh Caucus Committee, Sikh Coalition, and Sikh American Legal Defence and Education Fund (SALDEF), saw US officials assure the group of their commitment to protecting citizens from "transnational aggression" on American soil.

This comes amid rising tensions between India and nations like Canada and the US, which are accused of harboring Khalistani separatists. While India has banned Khalistan-linked organizations due to their history of terrorism, Canada has controversially defended such elements under "freedom of speech." External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar previously countered that freedom of speech should not justify support for separatism or violence.

The White House’s engagement with these Sikh groups marks a shift in US diplomacy, particularly as it coincides with Prime Minister Modi’s visit. Pritpal Singh, founder of the American Sikh Caucus Committee, expressed gratitude for US vigilance in protecting the Sikh community and emphasized the need for continued protection.

Notably, the meeting occurred as US Congressman Adam Schiff introduced the "Transnational Repression Reporting Act 2024," which aims to prevent foreign repression against individuals in the United States. Sikh groups, including SALDEF, have voiced support for the bill.

In a related case, Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, designated as a terrorist by India, filed a civil lawsuit against the Indian government and top officials, including National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. A US court in New York has issued summons in the case, seeking a response from India within 21 days. Pannun, known for his incendiary speeches and involvement in terror activities, remains a controversial figure.

Despite these tensions, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti emphasized that the case would not affect broader US-India relations. With Prime Minister Modi’s visit underway, the spotlight is on how both nations navigate this complex issue of Khalistan separatism, transnational law, and diplomacy.