US officials denounce Khalistani extremism, stand in solidarity with India

The executive and legislative branches of the United States government have expressed strong condemnation of Khalistani extremist violence and threats against Indian diplomatic premises and personnel.

Following the attempted arson attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco, the US State Department has pledged coordinated action to protect Indian diplomatic facilities and personnel. The National Security Council (NSC) also emphasized their commitment to the safety and security of diplomats.

Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, stated that the US strongly condemned the reported acts of vandalism and attempted arson at the San Francisco consulate. He affirmed that violence against diplomatic facilities or foreign diplomats is a criminal offense, and the US Department of State is taking steps, in line with its obligations under the Vienna Conventions, to protect the safety and security of Indian Embassy and Consulate personnel.

The NSC spokesperson, operating from the White House, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of safety and security for diplomats and denouncing acts of vandalism or violence against diplomatic facilities and personnel.

The attack on the San Francisco consulate occurred on July 2 when two violent extremists attempted to set fire to the premises in retaliation for the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, designated a terrorist by India, in Canada. This was the second attack on the consulate by Khalistani extremists in less than three months. Khalistani groups have also announced a march to the consulate on July 8, threatening Indian ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu and India's consul general in San Francisco, TV Nagendra Prasad.

In addition to the executive branch's responses, the legislative branch in Washington, D.C., also voiced condemnation. The Congressional caucus on India and Indian-Americans issued a statement strongly condemning the attempted arson and vandalism at the consulate and the circulation of posters with violent rhetoric targeting Indian diplomats. They called for the State Department to coordinate with law enforcement in investigating the damage and holding those involved accountable.

Several US Congressmen also condemned Khalistani extremism and expressed solidarity with India. They denounced the attack on the consulate, emphasized the unacceptability of violence, and pledged support for diplomatic facilities and the Indian-American community.