US-India trade talks halted; Washington sees Khalistan referendum today

WASHINGTON/NEW DELHI: The United States has paused ongoing trade negotiations with India, canceling a scheduled round of talks that was set to take place in New Delhi between August 25 and 29, according to Indian media reports.

The trade discussions, which began in February, have been suspended without a confirmed date for resumption, The Indian Express reported, citing unnamed sources. Indian news channel NDTV also confirmed that the meetings have been postponed to a later, unspecified date.

Also read: Khalistan referendum voting concludes in Los Angeles

The breakdown in talks comes as the US prepares to impose the second half of a steep 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports. It is the highest such rate applied to any country globally. Indian exporters are already paying 25 per cent under the current phase of the tariff. The additional 25 per cent is scheduled to take effect on August 27.

The tariff burden is expected to impact a broad range of Indian goods, putting further strain on trade relations between the two countries.

TRADE SETBACK COMES AHEAD OF KHALISTAN REFERENDUM

Meanwhile, a Khalistan referendum organised by the pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) is being held in Washington, DC today (Sunday), throwing yet another wrench between the BJP-led Indian government and President Trump.

Thousands of Sikhs from across the United States are expected to participate in the vote, according to international media reports. The referendum offers a platform for Sikhs to express support for the creation of Khalistan, an independent Sikh homeland carved out of India.

SFJ representatives at a press conference thanked US President Donald Trump for what they described as a strong position on India’s internal policies, while sharply criticizing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration for its efforts to suppress the Khalistan movement internationally.

Earlier, Trump reportedly sent a letter to SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, offering assurances regarding the safety of US citizens amid growing tensions.

Also read: Another diplomatic blow to India; Trump pens letter to Khalistan movement leader

Canada, the United States, and Australia have recently raised concerns about alleged Indian intelligence operations targeting Sikh activists abroad, further complicating India’s diplomatic standing in these countries.

No official response has yet been issued by the Indian government regarding the pause in trade talks or the Washington referendum.