White House meets pro-Khalistan groups ahead of Modi's visit
What's the story
Just hours before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled arrival in the United States for a three-day official visit, the White House engaged with Sikh sympathizers of the Khalistan movement. The US administration assured these groups "protection from any transnational aggression on its soil." This meeting comes as Modi is set to meet with US President Joe Biden during his visit.
Assurance given
US assures protection to Khalistan sympathizers
The White House has committed to "protecting American Citizens" from harm while they are within the borders of the United States. This assurance was given during a meeting with Sikh groups who sympathize with the Khalistan movement, just hours before Modi's arrival in the country. The development comes amid concerns about Canada and the US providing shelter and asylum to Khalistani separatists.
Indian perspective
India's stance on Khalistan movement and asylum issues
India has banned groups aligned with the Khalistan separatist movement, citing their involvement in terrorist activities over the past few decades. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated, "India respects and practices freedom of speech, but freedom of speech doesn't mean freedom to support separatism." He further emphasized that this does not equate to allowing threats against foreign diplomats or providing political space for violent elements.
Meeting details
Details of the White House meeting with Sikh groups
The meeting at the White House took place just hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi was due to land in the US for the Quad summit in Delaware and to address the 'Summit of the Future' event at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting was attended by Pritpal Singh of the American Sikh Caucus Committee and representatives from both, Sikh Coalition and Sikh American Legal Defence and Education Fund (SALDEF).
Gratitude expressed
Sikh groups express gratitude for US protection
Following the meeting, Singh, founder of the American Sikh Caucus Committee, expressed gratitude to senior federal government officials for their efforts in protecting Sikh Americans. He stated, "Yesterday we had the chance to thank senior federal government officials for saving the lives of Sikh Americans and for vigilance in protecting our community."
New legislation
US introduces new bill against transnational repression
Singh also mentioned that they asked US officials to continue their protective measures and will hold them accountable to their assurances. Earlier this week, US Congressman Adam Schiff introduced the 'Transnational Repression Reporting Act 2024.' This legislation requires the Attorney General, in coordination with other relevant federal agencies, to report cases of transnational repression against people in the United States.