Echoing with Conviction

US Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard's message during her first overseas visit to India post-Trump's inauguration is clear—Bangladesh must put a check on minorities' persecution and weed out Islamist extremism from its soil

- SHANTANU MUKHARJI

U.S. National Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard was in India recently on her first overseas trip after the Trump administration took office this January. During her stay, Gabbard held extensive parleys on mutual interests with Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, Raksha Mantri (RM) Raj Nath Singh, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, and others, covering a wide range of subjects of topical interest. In addition to her talks, she also attended the high-profile Raisina Dialogue, which was a significant move.

During his meeting with Tulsi Gabbard, PM Modi gifted her Gangajal from the Maha Kumbh, while the US Intelligence Chief gifted PM Modi tulsi beads. Other than these exchanges of pleasantries, both discussed issues of common interest and concern.

During her talks with RM Raj Nath Singh, the Minister asked the Trump administration to take strong action against Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), which is banned in India for promoting secessionist and pro-Khalistani activities. The RM further told Gabbard that the US should designate SFJ as a terrorist organization, as it was "linked" to Pakistan and other terrorist/secessionist outfits, and undertakes anti-India activities on American soil under its own domestic laws. SFJ, run in the US by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated terrorist in India, regularly threatens Indian political leaders and diplomats, propagates secessionism and violence for the creation of Khalistan, and even tries to incite Sikhs in the Indian security forces.