India Vows to Address National Security Concerns with the US
Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, designated as a terrorist by India, was reportedly seen chanting pro-Khalistan slogans during Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025. Viral videos from the event captured Pannun at The Liberty Ball, part of the official inaugural celebrations, where attendees were predominantly chanting “USA, USA.”
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reiterated its commitment to raising issues concerning India’s national security with the United States. Speaking at a weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Whenever there is an anti-India activity, we take up the matter with the US government. We will continue to address matters that impact our national security or promote an anti-India agenda.”
According to a report by WION, Pannun was not officially invited to the inaugural event but managed to secure tickets through contacts. During The Liberty Ball, while the majority of the crowd chanted patriotic slogans in support of the US, Pannun was filmed shouting “Khalistan Zindabad.”
The video, widely circulated on social media, initially shows Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on stage before panning to the crowd. Pannun can be seen among the attendees, loudly chanting slogans in favor of Khalistan, an act drawing sharp criticism.
Pannun, the self-styled leader of the banned organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), has been on India’s radar for years. He was declared a Proclaimed Offender on November 29, 2022, and non-bailable warrants were issued against him on February 3, 2021. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also seized his properties in Amritsar and Chandigarh as part of their efforts to clamp down on his activities.
India remains firm in its resolve to address such incidents through diplomatic channels. The MEA assured that any anti-India activities on foreign soil will be promptly raised with the respective governments to safeguard the country’s interests and security.
This incident underscores the need for heightened vigilance against extremist elements attempting to further divisive agendas at global events.