India Urges US to Label Sikhs for Justice as Terror Group

India has formally requested the U.S. to designate the Sikh separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) as a terrorist organization, a move discussed during a meeting between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and U.S. national intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard. This request follows the U.S. charging a former Indian intelligence officer for allegedly plotting to assassinate SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, which has strained India-U.S. relations. Singh's discussions with Gabbard also touched on SFJ's alleged ties to Pakistan's ISI and other terrorist organizations. Amid these tensions, India is facing scrutiny over an alleged assassination plot in the U.S. and the investigation of the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Despite these allegations, India has denied any involvement, labeling them as politically motivated. The ongoing dialogue underscores the complexities of international cooperation in counterterrorism efforts between India and the U.S.