Trump’s Letter to Khalistan Activist Sparks Diplomatic Rift with India
India faces a fresh diplomatic challenge after U.S. President Donald Trump sent a letter to Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a leading figure in the pro-Khalistan movement, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to civil liberties and constitutional rights.
The letter, dated July 24 and bearing the White House seal, was shared by Pannun on social media. It comes just weeks before a planned Khalistan referendum on August 17 in Washington, D.C.—an event India strongly opposes.
Pannun, the founder of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), hailed the message as a response to the group’s lobbying campaign urging the U.S. to take a tougher stance on India’s human rights record. His post called on Washington to address what he described as “Modi’s assassination regime,” protect pro-Khalistan activists from “cross-border repression,” and support the Sikh community’s right to self-determination.
Trump’s letter did not mention India directly but emphasized a broad vision of American strength, national values, and a foreign policy focused on U.S. interests. “My Administration puts our citizens, our values, and our Nation FIRST,” Trump wrote. He also cited an executive order issued on his first day in office that freezes foreign aid for 90 days to reassess its impact.
The move comes against the backdrop of last year’s foiled assassination attempt on Pannun, allegedly orchestrated by India’s external intelligence agency, RAW. Indian national Nikhil Gupta was arrested and later indicted in the U.S. in connection with the plot.
New Delhi has yet to respond officially but is likely to view Trump’s outreach as a diplomatic affront amid rising tensions.
