WASHINGTON: The Sikh community in the United States will hold a Khalistan referendum in Washington, DC, on Sunday, with thousands of Sikhs from across the country expected to participate.
The vote, organised by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a US-based pro-Khalistan group, is part of a global campaign launched in 2021 to seek an independent Sikh homeland.
Since its inception, referendums have been held in eight countries, drawing large turnouts from Sikh communities abroad.
SFJ leaders told reporters that the referendum aims to provide Sikhs with a peaceful and democratic platform to express their political aspirations for self-determination.
They praised US President Donald Trump for his critical stance on India’s policies, while accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of attempting to suppress the movement internationally.
US media reported that Trump recently wrote to Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the legal adviser to SFJ and a prominent Khalistan leader, assuring him of security and the protection of US nationals.
16 August — The Khalistan Express Bus, carrying Sikh families, will travel 600 miles to Washington, D.C., for the 17 August Khalistan Referendum.
“With faith in Guru Granth Sahib and Ardas, Sikhs For Justice declares this is how Punjab will be liberated from Indian occupation”… pic.twitter.com/UOKuxFeSIo
— Jagdeep Singh (Journalist) (@NyJagdeepsingh) August 16, 2025
The referendum comes against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny of alleged Indian intelligence activities targeting Sikh activists abroad.
US, Canadian, and Australian authorities have all reported investigations into suspected networks.
In one high-profile case, a US court ordered the deportation of Indian national Nikhil Gupta over his involvement in a plot to assassinate Pannun.
Australia’s intelligence agency, ASIO, has also said it uncovered espionage operations linked to India.
15 August – Indian “Independence Day” FALLS SILENT in DC:
“Delhi BanayGa Khalistan” and “Long Live Trump” slogans from vocal pro-Khalistan SFJ activists forced Ambassador Vinay Kwatra to remain inside the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. pic.twitter.com/AfnGncgy5P
— Sikhs For Justice (@SFJ_US_Official) August 15, 2025
Despite India’s strong opposition, SFJ maintains that its campaign is peaceful and within the bounds of international law.
Organisers argue that multiple courts overseas have rejected New Delhi’s extradition requests for Sikh activists, which they claim strengthens the legitimacy of their movement.
Representing a global community of some 30 million people, Sikh groups continue the Khalistan campaign as a non-violent political struggle rooted in democratic principles.
No member state of the United Nations has formally declared the referendum process unlawful.
