India voiced its concerns on Monday to Tulsi Gabbard, the United States Director of National Intelligence, urging decisive action against Khalistani terrorists operating from U.S. soil.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh raised this critical issue during a meeting with Gabbard, highlighting the activities of the banned Khalistani organization, ‘Sikhs for Justice,’ which is known for its unlawful conduct within the U.S.
Sources indicate that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval also addressed the matter in a separate meeting with Gabbard, pointing out individuals sympathetic to Khalistan who are using U.S. territory to carry out terrorist activities aimed at India. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Canadian-American lawyer and prominent figure in the contemporary Khalistan movement, has been openly advocating for a separatist agenda and issuing threats against Indian leadership through social media.
In a gesture of goodwill, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Gabbard in the evening, presenting her with a vase containing holy water from Prayagraj, known for hosting the largest human gathering at the Maha Kumbh Mela. This visit marks Gabbard’s second meeting with Modi in just two months—her previous meeting took place in February during Modi’s visit to Washington for discussions with President Donald Trump.
During their discussions, Minister Singh and Gabbard explored potential collaboration in advanced defense innovations and niche technologies, underscoring the two nations’ shared commitment to enhancing strategic interests. The Ministry of Defence described the meeting as “productive,” noting that conversations were aligned with the joint statement issued after Modi’s recent discussions with Trump, which reaffirmed the strengthening India-U.S. defense partnership.
Both leaders stressed that strategic security is a fundamental pillar of the comprehensive cooperation between India and the United States. They reviewed the significant progress made in military exercises, strategic partnerships, the integration of defense industrial supply chains, and information sharing, particularly in maritime security.
Singh expressed his satisfaction on social media, stating, “Happy to have met the U.S. Director of National Intelligence Ms. @TulsiGabbard in New Delhi. We discussed a wide range of issues including defense and information sharing, aiming to further deepen the India-U.S. partnership.” Additionally, they touched on enhancing interoperability and fostering greater integration of defense industrial supply chains to strengthen resilience and innovation.