Amid growing tensions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the US intersects with talks between White House officials and pro-Khalistan Sikh separatist groups.
At a Glance
- White House officials met with Sikh activists to assure them of the US government’s commitment to protecting Americans from transnational aggression.
- The meeting took place ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-day visit to the US.
- The meeting was the first of its kind involving the National Security Council and Sikh activists/separatists.
- Senior US officials met with Sikh advocates to discuss threats in the US, including a foiled murder plot against activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
- Congressman Adam Schiff introduced the Transnational Repression Reporting Act of 2024, which reports on repressive actions targeting individuals on US soil.
Historical Meetings and Diplomatic Strain
In a historic first, White House officials held a meeting with Sikh activists, including proponents of the pro-Khalistan movement, aiming to assure them of protection against transnational aggression. Key attendees in the meeting included Pritpal Singh of the American Sikh Caucus Committee and representatives from various Sikh advocacy groups. This meeting was initiated by the White House ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-day visit to the US, adding a layer of complexity to US-India diplomatic ties.
The dialogue focused on recent threats against the Sikh community in the US, notably the foiled assassination attempt on Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Senior White House and US intelligence officials addressed these issues candidly, emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and safety of all Americans. The meeting underscored the increasing pressure on both the US and India to balance domestic concerns with international diplomacy.
Deepening cultural connect and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties.
I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India. @POTUS @JoeBiden pic.twitter.com/0jziIYZ1GO
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2024
Legislative Measures to Address Transnational Repression
Shortly before Modi’s visit, Congressman Adam Schiff introduced the Transnational Repression Reporting Act of 2024. This proposed legislation aims to report and hold foreign actors accountable for repressive activities against individuals on American soil. The Act requires coordinated reports from the Attorney General and other federal agencies, highlighting a strong legislative response to such international threats.
This proactive legislative step coincides with India’s ongoing efforts to quash what it views as separatist movements by Sikh activists pushing for an independent Khalistan. Pannun, who holds dual US and Canadian citizenship, has previously filed a civil lawsuit against the Government of India, further complicating US-India relations. The US District Court for the Southern District of New York issued summons in this case, marking a significant legal clash between Pannun and Indian officials.
https://twitter.com/drsjaishankar%3Flang%3Den
Modi-Biden Discussions on the Horizon
This diplomatic turbulence precedes critical one-on-one discussions between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Modi, set to occur during a joint meeting involving the US, India, Japan, and Australia. While the White House has emphasized the importance of US-India relations due to shared security interests, it has also firmly maintained the need to address this issue. Sources indicate that both the FBI and US law enforcement are actively working to protect Sikh activists in America.
“Yesterday we had the chance to thank senior federal government officials for saving the lives of Sikh Americans and for vigilance in protecting our community. We asked them to do more, and we will hold them to their assurances that they will,” said Pritpal Singh, founder of the American Sikh Caucus Committee told PTI on Friday.
The diplomatic challenges are further compounded by allegations from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that India’s government was behind the killing of Canadian Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. US law enforcement continues to investigate these allegations alongside Indian national Nikhil Gupta’s prosecution for his role in the alleged plot against Pannun.
