A new controversy has emerged in India-US relations as the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommended sanctions on India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), in its annual report. The report, released on March 25, 2025, accuses RAW of orchestrating assassination plots against Khalistani separatists, particularly Gurpatwant Singh Pannu of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in the US. The report also questions alleged violations of religious freedom in India.
USCIRF’s Allegations and Demand Sanctions on Raw
USCIRF claims that RAW has been involved in assassination attempts against Khalistani separatists and Sikh leaders abroad, including Pannu. The commission urged the US government to designate India as a “Country of Particular Concern” and impose targeted sanctions on RAW. This follows the US Justice Department’s 2023 case against a former RAW officer accused of plotting to kill Pannu.
USCIRF argues that RAW’s actions not only target Sikhs in India but also abroad, potentially affecting US-India security cooperation. The commission has recommended reinstating the “Transnational Repression Reporting Act” to monitor alleged actions against Sikh separatists outside India.
India’s Strong Reply on the Reports
India has dismissed USCIRF’s recommendations as biased and politically motivated. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “This report is an attempt to malign India’s diverse and democratic society. It reflects an agenda rather than genuine concerns about religious freedom.” India asserts that RAW is committed to safeguarding national security and integrity, and such accusations are baseless.
India has also reiterated that Khalistani groups, including SFJ, are banned for their links to violent extremism and foreign-backed destabilization efforts. The Indian government believes USCIRF’s move aims to undermine counterterrorism cooperation between India and the US, which could be detrimental to both nations.
Why RAW is Facing Sanctions?
USCIRF’s recommendations are based on the 2023 case in which US authorities accused former RAW officer Nikhil Gupta of plotting Pannu’s assassination. The alleged plot, which ultimately failed, led to diplomatic tensions between India and the US.
The commission argues that RAW’s activities are part of India’s broader strategy to suppress religious minorities. However, India has rejected these claims, calling them Khalistani propaganda designed to threaten India’s unity and sovereignty.
This controversy comes amid ongoing tensions between India and Canada over Khalistani separatists. In 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an allegation India denied. The dispute led to diplomatic downsizing and visa restrictions between the two nations. Now, USCIRF’s report has extended these tensions to the US.
Experts suggest that USCIRF’s report may be an attempt to pressure India but could strain the growing India-US partnership in defense, technology, and trade. India has firmly stated that it will not compromise on national security under any external pressure.
