A prominent Sikh temple in California has called on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), alleging it may be operating as a “foreign agent” for the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Fremont Gurdwara Sahib, which serves approximately 5,000 Sikh worshippers weekly and holds significant influence within the global Sikh diaspora, submitted a formal request urging an inquiry into the HAF’s ties with Indian officials and its activities in the U.S.
According to reporting by The Guardian, the Gurdwara’s leadership believes HAF should be scrutinized under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which requires individuals or organizations acting on behalf of foreign governments to disclose their relationships and funding sources.
In its letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Gurdwara accused HAF of facilitating meetings between U.S. lawmakers and Indian officials, hosting representatives of foreign governments, and endorsing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its policies both in India and abroad.
HAF Responds to Allegations
The Hindu American Foundation has rejected the accusations, maintaining that it is a non-partisan, U.S.-based non-profit with no affiliations to any foreign government. It also claimed it has been targeted by supporters of the Khalistan movement, which seeks to establish an independent Sikh state.
“We are open to engaging with U.S. security officials to address these unfounded and damaging claims,” the organization said, naming officials like FBI Director Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard as potential points of contact.
Broader Tensions and Context
This controversy unfolds amid heightened tensions between Sikh diaspora groups and the Indian government, especially following the 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh separatist. The Canadian government has alleged that Indian intelligence was involved in the killing, a claim echoed in U.S. court filings concerning another alleged plot to assassinate a Sikh activist on American soil.
An Al Jazeera investigation recently reported that HAF, initially founded to advocate for Hindu Americans, has increasingly aligned with Modi’s administration since 2014, drawing criticism for its perceived political advocacy.
While there is no public evidence linking HAF to violence, the Fremont Gurdwara argues that the group’s increasing political activity warrants federal review.
If the Justice Department concludes that HAF operates at the direction of a foreign power, the group could be compelled to publicly report its lobbying efforts and disclose any funding linked to the Indian government.
The Indian embassy in Washington has not commented on the matter.
Background: The Khalistan Movement
The Khalistan movement, which seeks the creation of a sovereign Sikh state carved from India’s Punjab region, has deep historical roots dating back to the partition of British India in 1947. It gained momentum during a violent insurgency in the 1970s and 1980s, which left tens of thousands dead and led to India’s controversial military crackdowns.
The movement has seen a resurgence in diaspora communities, particularly in North America, and remains a point of tension between Sikh activists and the Indian state.
Notably, Sikh militants were linked to the 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182, which killed all 329 people aboard, marking one of the deadliest aviation terror attacks in history.
While the insurgency officially ended decades ago, the political and emotional scars continue to shape discourse around Sikh identity and international relations involving India.
