'We Take Terrorist Acts, Not Words, Seriously': US Ambassador's Reckless Remarks Signal Open Season For Khalistani Terrorists

In an interview with The Times of India, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti downplayed Indian concerns over Khalistani extremists operating on American soil.

Garcetti said that the US only acts on "crimes" rather than "opinions" and suggested that mere threats are not a focus for US law enforcement.

"We take terrorist acts, not words but acts, incredibly seriously. And threats on people's lives are crimes in the US," he stated, stressing that the US takes action when violent incidents occur.

Garcetti cited the Tahawwur Rana case as an example of US-India cooperation in counterterrorism but added, "We always tell our Indian friends to focus on crimes. When we do that, we see progress."

Critics in India argue that Garcetti’s comments signal a dangerously complacent attitude toward the Khalistan issue, with many viewing it as a tacit green light for extremists.

The statement has raised alarms in India, as it seemingly implies that the US will only respond to Khalistani extremists after an attack.

Indian officials have long expressed concerns about Khalistani terrorists receiving safe haven in countries like the US and Canada, with some suggesting that figures like Gurpatwant Singh Pannun could be intelligence assets for Western agencies.

Pannun, the founder of the banned group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), issued a public video on Monday warning passengers to avoid flying Air India between November 1 and 19. He claimed a potential attack could take place during this time, which marks the 40th anniversary of what he called the "Sikh genocide."

This follows over 100 bomb threats made against Indian airlines, including Air India, in the past week. So far, all of these threats have proven to be hoaxes.

The US has accused Indian officials of plotting to assassinate Pannun.

Interestingly, reports suggest both the US and Canada have warned Khalistani extremists of threats to their lives.

Recent tensions with Canada have also highlighted India's unease.

India’s High Commissioner in Ottawa previously alleged that Khalistani extremists were being "encouraged" and claimed that they are assets of Canadian intelligence.

There are growing concerns that the Five Eyes alliance – the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand – may be shielding Khalistani groups to destabilize India as and when they choose.

Garcetti’s remarks are likely to deepen the rift, with many questioning whether the US is turning a blind eye to threats posed by these groups until actual violence occurs.