Khalistani terrorist Pannun’s presence at Trump’s event: MEA says will take up matter with US

Videos shared on social media showed Pannun chanting pro-Khalistan slogans

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday stated that India will continue to address issues affecting its national security with the United States. The statement followed reports of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun's presence at Donald Trump’s inauguration.

“Whenever there is an anti-India activity we take up the matter with the US government. We will continue to raise matter with the US government that have a bearing on our national security and have an anti-India agenda," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

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Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun was reportedly seen at the high-profile inauguration event for President Donald Trump, which saw the presence of top political and business leaders from across the globe.

Videos shared on social media showed Pannun chanting pro-Khalistan slogans as others chanted "USA, USA." Several reports claimed that Pannun secured ticket for the high-security event through a contact.

In a widely shared video, the crowd could be seen enthusiastically chanting "USA, USA" with Donald Trump and Melania on stage. Amid the crowd chanting pro-US slogans, Pannun briefly turned what appeared to be his own camera toward himself and quickly said, "Khalistan Zindabad."

Khalistani terrorist Pannun AWKWARDLY MURMURS extremist slogans at Trump's inauguration pic.twitter.com/sTcCfhkKY2

Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) January 21, 2025

After the video went viral, many Indian users expressed shock, questioning how Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, infamous for threatening Indian diplomats and air-bombing, gained access to a high-profile event like this.

A dual US-Canadian citizen, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is designated as a terrorist in India and actively advocates for Khalistan, an envisioned independent Sikh homeland within Indian territory.

In July 2020, under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), Pannun was designated a terrorist for his role in advocating separatism and inciting violence. The Indian government also placed multiple arrest warrants against him and seized his properties.