NEW DELHI: India has reportedly raised concerns over anti-India activities by Khalistani elements with United States Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard during her ongoing visit to New Delhi. Gabbard, who is attending the annual Raisina Dialogue organized by the Observer Research Foundation, also held high-level discussions on intelligence sharing and defence cooperation.
As part of her engagements, Gabbard met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, where the issue of Khalistani extremism and the activities of the US-based group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) were brought up. According to sources, India urged the US administration to take decisive action against the SFJ, calling for the group to be designated as a terrorist organization and demanding its proscription under American law.
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Rajnath Singh confirmed the meeting with Gabbard, stating:
“Happy to have met the US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in New Delhi. We discussed a wide range of issues including defence and information sharing, aimed at further strengthening the India-US partnership.”
Call for Action Against SFJ
Indian officials highlighted SFJ’s alleged involvement in unlawful activities that threaten India’s sovereignty and called on the US to clamp down on their operations. India has long maintained that the SFJ’s campaigns are inflammatory and seek to foment discord, particularly among diaspora communities.
Gabbard’s Comments on Terrorism and Bilateral Ties
In an interview with news agency ANI, Gabbard addressed the wider context of global terrorism, emphasizing the commitment of former US President Donald Trump to combatting Islamist extremism, a threat she said continues to endanger global peace.
“This threat is impacting people not just in the US, but also here in India, Bangladesh, Syria, Israel, and across the Middle East. Prime Minister Modi is also serious about countering this threat, and our two nations will continue to collaborate to tackle it,” Gabbard remarked.
She further underscored the importance of dialogue between the top leadership of India and the US, expressing optimism about cooperation in sectors including defence and private enterprise.
“What I find promising is that both President Trump and Prime Minister Modi are seeking practical solutions. Open dialogue at all levels – from heads of state to cabinet members – is essential in shaping a clear way forward. There is strong interest from the private sectors of both nations, which adds further potential to this partnership,” she said.
China, Peace, and Stability
On the topic of China, Gabbard highlighted a pragmatic approach by both leaders in managing geopolitical tensions.
“Both President Trump and Prime Minister Modi are realistic and aim to strike a balance that avoids conflict. Our common goal is lasting peace and regional stability,” she noted.
Raisina Dialogue: A Platform for Global Strategy
The Raisina Dialogue, an annual strategic affairs conference, has grown into a key platform for global leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss pressing international issues. Gabbard’s participation and her meetings with Indian counterparts underline the growing depth of India-US strategic ties, particularly in areas of defence, intelligence sharing, and counterterrorism.
