India urges US to classify Sikhs for Justice as a terrorist group

India has raised concerns over the activities of Sikh separatist organizations during a meeting between Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in New Delhi. This meeting marks Gabbard's first official visit to India, where she also met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh emphasized India's apprehensions regarding the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) organization, urging the US to take decisive actions against it, particularly since the group is viewed as a terrorist entity by India. The Indian government has sought increased collaboration and support from its Western allies, specifically in addressing the threats posed by Sikh separatists who advocate for Khalistan, a proposed independent Sikh state in India. India's calls for action against SFJ follow a turbulent history involving accusations and incidents that strain diplomatic relations, including allegations surrounding assassination plots related to SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The US Department of Justice had previously investigated purported schemes involving individuals linked to Indian intelligence services which were aimed at Pannun, highlighting the sensitive nature of this issue. New Delhi has consistently asserted its position, labeling SFJ as an unlawful association and attempting to galvanize diplomatic backing from countries such as the US, UK, and Canada. Furthermore, during her visit, Gabbard participated in discussions aimed at deepening India-US security cooperation, with topics including terrorism and technology-related threats reportedly being on the agenda. Gabbard's engagement is seen as part of a broader strategy to foster economic ties, counterbalance regional tensions, and respond to emerging threats collaboratively. The underlying geopolitical dynamics reflect a complex interplay of national security interests, diplomatic maneuvering, and global counterterrorism efforts, with India striving to enhance its partners' engagements against non-state actors it considers threats. As the discourse on terrorism continues to evolve, the calls for specific designations carry significant implications, not only for US-India relations but also for global counterterrorism frameworks. The outcome of this request could influence perceptions of the Khalistan movement and shape international responses to separatism in various contexts, thereby affecting regional stability and diplomatic relations. It highlights the intricate balance between advocating for human rights and national security, ultimately complicating how governments navigate these challenging issues both domestically and internationally.