US Officials Meet Sikh Activists Ahead of Biden-Modi Meeting, Reports Reuters

By Sarah N. Lynch

WASHINGTON – Senior U.S. officials convened with Sikh advocates on Thursday to address threats facing the Sikh community in the United States, including a thwarted murder plot targeting a prominent activist last year, as reported by several attendees.

The meeting, involving White House and U.S. intelligence representatives, took place just two days prior to President Joe Biden’s expected meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The U.S. government has been urging India to investigate the murder plot against dual U.S.-Canada citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun while conducting its own inquiry into India’s potential role in the incident.

During the closed-door session organized by the National Security Council, officials updated Sikh advocates on ongoing discussions with India.

The White House and the Indian embassy in Washington did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

Biden will hold a one-on-one conversation with Modi during a joint meeting involving the United States, India, Japan, and Australia on Saturday. India’s role has become increasingly significant in U.S. diplomatic efforts aimed at reinforcing strategic partnerships to counter China’s and Russia’s influence.

Although the U.S. has expressed concern regarding the Sikh incident, it continues to prioritize its relationship with New Delhi, citing shared security interests.

During the meeting, senior U.S. officials reassured the Sikh community of their commitment to safeguarding Americans against "transnational repression," a term referring to governmental efforts to intimidate or endanger individuals abroad. They also provided updates on initiatives to educate local police about these threats and encouraged Sikh individuals to report any incidents of harassment or intimidation.

Pritpal Singh, the founder of the American Sikh Caucus Committee and a meeting attendee, remarked, "We had the opportunity to thank senior federal officials for their efforts in protecting Sikh Americans. We urged them to enhance their efforts, and we will hold them accountable for their commitments."

In September of last year, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that his nation’s intelligence agency was investigating credible allegations that the Indian government was involved in the June 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh separatist advocating for a separate Sikh state in northern India known as "Khalistan."

Two months later, the U.S. Justice Department charged Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, with conspiring to facilitate the murder of Pannun at the direction of an unnamed Indian intelligence operative. India has denied any involvement in both cases.

Gupta has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial in New York City, while four other Indian nationals in Canada are facing charges related to Nijjar’s death.

This week, Pannun initiated a civil lawsuit against India over its alleged assassination attempt.

Following Nijjar’s murder, reports indicated that the FBI and the Canadian Royal Mounted Police had privately notified at least seven Sikh activists, including Pritpal Singh, about serious threats to their safety.

Since then, numerous Sikh activists in the U.S. and Canada, including some elected officials, have voiced ongoing concerns about threats and acts of harassment against them.