Rajnath Singh Calls for Strong Action Against Pro-Khalistani Elements in the US
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Synopsis
India raised concerns about pro-Khalistani factions, particularly the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), during a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. They discussed enhancing defense and intelligence cooperation.
Key Takeaways
- Rajnath Singh urged the US to take action against SFJ.
- The meeting aimed to deepen India-US strategic ties.
- Discussions included defense technology cooperation.
- Joint military exercises and intelligence sharing were highlighted.
- The meeting was part of Gabbard's first visit from the Trump administration.
New Delhi, March 17 (NationPress) India expressed concerns about anti-national factions operating internationally, specifically pro-Khalistani groups, including the subversive activities of the Khalistani faction Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) active in the United States.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reportedly urged the US government to take decisive action against this organization.
On Monday, Singh met with Tulsi Gabbard, the US Director of National Intelligence, in discussions aimed at enhancing the strategic partnership between India and the United States, particularly in defense and intelligence cooperation.
In a post on his X handle, the Defence Minister stated: "Pleasure meeting US Director of National Intelligence Ms. Tulsi Gabbard in New Delhi. Our discussions covered various topics, including defense and information sharing, to further strengthen the India-US alliance."
The meeting underscored the importance of strategic security as a foundation of the broad global partnership between India and the US, according to an official statement.
"Rajnath Singh and Gabbard reviewed the significant advancements made in joint military exercises, strategic alignment, integration of defense industrial networks, and sharing of maritime intelligence," the statement noted.
The leaders also explored opportunities for groundbreaking collaboration in advanced defense technologies, emphasizing their shared commitment to advancing mutual strategic aims.
Additionally, they deliberated on key issues like improving operational compatibility and enhancing the integration of defense supply chains to boost resilience and innovation.
Gabbard's visit to India marks the first high-profile interaction from the Donald Trump administration.
Her discussions with Rajnath Singh followed a meeting with India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Sunday, where they examined ways to enhance intelligence sharing and security collaboration.
Furthermore, Gabbard attended a private gathering of international intelligence leaders convened by India, which included representatives from the US, Canada, and the UK.
The agenda covered intelligence coordination, counterterrorism strategies, threats from emerging technologies, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The gathering also addressed urgent global issues, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions in the Middle East. Gabbard’s itinerary includes visits to Japan, Thailand, and France.
In related news, on March 9, a Hindu temple in California was vandalized with "anti-India" slogans by pro-Khalistani activists, drawing strong condemnation from India. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described these actions as "reprehensible" and called for local authorities to adequately protect religious sites.
