Act tough on terror: India flags pro-Khalistan activities in US, NZ

India has raised the issue of Khalistan-related activities in separate discussions with top representatives of the US and New Zealand.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during a meeting with US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, expressed concerns over anti-India activities of pro-Khalistan outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in the US. India urged the US administration to take stringent action against the illegal group.

Kiwi PM backs India bid for UNSC seat

New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon on Monday expressed strong support for India’s bid to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

Countries like India play a central role globally and New Zealand supports New Delhi’s permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council, Luxon said

Gabbard, in an interview with a news agency, emphasised the shared commitment of the US and India to combat terrorism, particularly Islamist extremism, which she noted threatens both nations. “President Trump has been very clear about his commitment of defeating the threat of Islamist terrorism that has plagued the world,” she said and highlighted the collaboration between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in addressing this global challenge.

Separately, PM Modi discussed the Khalistan issue with his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon. Modi underscored the need for united action against terrorism, referencing the 2019 Christchurch attacks and the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. He stressed that terrorism in all forms was unacceptable and called for strict measures against perpetrators. “We will work together against terrorist, separatist and extremist elements. We have shared our concern regarding anti-India activities in New Zealand. We are sure we will keep getting the New Zealand government’s assistance against these illegal activities,” PM Modi said.

Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, stated at a media briefing that India had consistently alerted its international partners about the misuse of democratic freedoms by anti-India elements to glorify terrorism and threaten Indian interests. “The New Zealand government has been receptive and has taken India’s concerns on board in the past as well,” he said.

Both leaders reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all forms and emphasised the need for concrete action against UN-proscribed terrorist organisations. They called for disrupting terror financing networks, dismantling terror infrastructure and ensuring swift justice for perpetrators. India and New Zealand agreed to enhance cooperation in combating terrorism and violent extremism through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.