​Changed circumstances: On the U.S., India and extremism concerns | Current Affairs | Vision IAS

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​Changed circumstances: On the U.S., India and extremism concerns

2 min read

Discussion on the Pannun Episode and Anti-India Activities

The Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh, addressed issues related to pro-Khalistani groups in the U.S. during a meeting with the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard.

Key Issues Raised

  • Designation of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) as a foreign terrorist organization due to its anti-India activities.
  • Alleged backing of SFJ by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Background of SFJ

  • Founded in 2007 by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a U.S.-based attorney.
  • Advocates for “self-determination” for Sikhs in Punjab, aiming for a sovereign state of Khalistan.
  • Banned by India in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for anti-India activities.

Concerns and Diplomatic Efforts

  • The resurgence of the Khalistani insurgency in western countries concerns India.
  • Recent aggressive pro-Khalistani protests, including an incident involving External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in London.
  • Efforts to address the issue with countries like Canada and the U.K. have faced challenges.

International Relations Challenges

  • Allegations of Indian agencies attempting targeted killings of Khalistani sympathizers have strained ties with Canada and the U.S.
  • Relations with the Trudeau administration in Canada were tense, and the Biden administration exerted diplomatic pressure on India.

Current U.S. Administration's Stance

  • The Trump administration seems less inclined to escalate the matter and may be more receptive to India's concerns.

India must balance its efforts against anti-India groups with maintaining cohesive relations with the Indian diaspora and its diplomatic partners.

  • Tags :
  • Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
  • Anti-India Activities
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