India raised concerns with the U.S. about pro-Khalistani activities, specifically the Pannun episode.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged the U.S. to designate Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) as a foreign terrorist organization.
SFJ, led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, advocates for a separate Sikh state (Khalistan) and is banned in India.
India cited SFJ's anti-India activities on U.S. soil and alleged ties to Pakistan's ISI.
India is concerned about the resurgence of Khalistani activities in Western countries
evidenced by recent protests and incidents like the heckling of External Affairs Minister Jaishankar in London.
Allegations of Indian agencies' involvement in targeted killings of Khalistani sympathizers have strained relations with Canada and the U.S.
The U.S. charged an Indian citizen in a plot to kill Pannun, causing diplomatic tension.
The Trump administration is seen as potentially more receptive to India's concerns than the Biden administration has been.
India faces the challenge of addressing these activities without negatively impacting its diaspora or diplomatic relationships.
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