Intelligence chiefs from the Five Eyes alliance—the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—are among the top global spy leaders gathered in New Delhi for a high-stakes security conclave chaired by India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.
The meeting, focused on intelligence-sharing and counterterrorism, also saw India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urging US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard to designate the Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) as a terror organisation in the United States.
Representing the Five Eyes nations at the conclave are:
• United States: DNI Chief Tulsi Gabbard
• Canada: CSIS Chief Daniel Rogers
• United Kingdom: NSA Jonathan Powell
• Australia: National Intelligence Deputy Director-General Nina Davidson
• New Zealand: Security Intelligence Chief Andrew Hampton
According to sources, during Minister Singh’s meeting with Gabbard, he emphasised SFJ’s links to Pakistan-based terror networks and urged the US to take action similar to India, which has already banned SFJ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). SFJ, led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has been accused of running violent anti-India campaigns and inciting separatism.
The intelligence conclave, attended by top spy chiefs from around 20 nations, is set to discuss pressing global security threats, including counterterrorism, cybercrime, and emerging geopolitical challenges. The implications of the Russia-Ukraine war, tensions in the Middle East, and China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific are also high on the agenda.
The meeting comes at a time of tense India-Canada relations following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 2023 allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Diplomatic ties soured further after both nations expelled multiple diplomats. Rogers’ participation in the conclave raises speculation that the issue may be discussed on the sidelines.
Gabbard’s visit to India is part of a multi-nation tour that includes stops in Japan, Thailand, and France. Besides the security conclave, she is expected to address the Raisina Dialogue and hold high-level bilateral meetings, including discussions on Indo-Pacific security cooperation.
With intelligence chiefs from key global powers in attendance, the conclave underscores India’s growing role in shaping global security alliances. However, the discussions on Khalistani extremism, China’s assertiveness, and transnational threats could set the stage for critical policy shifts in global counterterrorism efforts.
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