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Trump’s Letter to Pannu Embarrasses Modi Govt Ahead of Khalistan Vote
Trump sends letter to Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannu reaffirming commitment to US citizens’ safety. Letter surfaces just ahead of Khalistan referendum in Washington. Another diplomatic blow to Modi govt.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-29
Trump’s Letter to Pannu Embarrasses Modi Govt Ahead of Khalistan Vote

Washington / New Delhi — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has suffered yet another international setback as former US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, the central leader of the Khalistan movement and head of the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) organization.

The letter — made public by Pannu through a post on X (formerly Twitter) — comes just weeks before the scheduled Khalistan referendum in Washington, D.C. on August 17, 2025.

In the letter, President Trump reaffirmed his commitment to the safety and rights of American citizens, stating:

“I put my citizens, my nation, and my values first. Only when America is safe, the world is safe. I will never stop fighting for the rights and security of my citizens.”

The message is being widely interpreted as a diplomatic blow to New Delhi, particularly amid growing tensions between India and Sikh diaspora activists abroad.

🕊️ Diplomatic Repercussions

The release of Trump’s letter has sparked renewed concern in Indian diplomatic circles, especially as the Khalistan movement continues to gain visibility in Western countries despite being outlawed in India.

The Modi government has previously labeled SFJ as a terrorist organization, and has frequently lobbied Western governments to curb its activities — so far with limited success.

🔫 Attempted Assassination Plot

This latest development also reignites attention on the failed assassination plot against Pannu allegedly orchestrated by India’s foreign intelligence agency, RAW, last year.

Pannu had earlier filed a case in the United States against the Indian government for plotting his murder, an accusation that led to the arrest and indictment of RAW operative Nikhil Gupta. Gupta remains in US custody and is facing legal proceedings.

US officials have since expressed concern over foreign transnational repression efforts, and the Trump letter may be viewed as a subtle but firm signal of America’s stance on protecting its residents — regardless of international pressures.

🗳️ Referendum Ahead

The timing of Trump’s letter is especially significant, with the Khalistan referendum set to take place on August 17 in Washington. Pro-Khalistan groups are framing the vote as a peaceful democratic exercise to gauge Sikh support for an independent homeland.

While the Indian government has dismissed the referendum as symbolic and illegal, its global traction — including events in Canada, the UK, Australia, and now the US — continues to challenge India’s narrative and diplomacy.
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