Archive · 10 Nov 2025
India Criticizes Bloomberg Report on Transnational Killings, Citing Bias
Imagine a news company called Bloomberg made a story saying India secretly killed some people who wanted a separate country for Sikhs, called Khalistan.
Bloomberg showed these people as just 'activists'.
But India says this is wrong.
India says these people were actually terrorists, and they have lots of proof, like court documents and warnings.
India says Bloomberg didn't include India's side of the story and only listened to Western intelligence and the people they were accusing.
India also believes that countries like Canada and the US should not let these 'terrorists' operate freely.
India feels that the news story ignored international rules about spying on diplomats and was unfair, making India look bad when the real problem is extremism that the West is not stopping.
India has criticized a Bloomberg report and documentary accusing it of orchestrating transnational assassinations of Khalistani separatists, deeming them 'activists'.
India asserts that the individuals in question, such as Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, are designated terrorists with evidence of violent incitement and links to banned outfits.
The Indian government has denied any involvement in criminal activities abroad, stating no arm of the state is authorized for extrajudicial acts.
India alleges Bloomberg's report is one-sided, relying on anonymous sources and Western intelligence, while omitting India's evidence, official statements, and the violent history of the Khalistani movement.
India criticizes Western governments for allegedly sheltering extremists under the guise of free speech and violating international law by intercepting communications of Indian officials.
- Who
- India (Ministry of External Affairs), Bloomberg, US and Canadian intelligence, law enforcement agencies, Khalistani 'activists' like Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
- What
- India has criticized a Bloomberg report and documentary for accusing India of transnational killings while allegedly whitewashing Khalistani terrorists, presenting a one-sided narrative and omitting crucial context and evidence.
- When
- The Bloomberg report was published on November 6th; the criticisms are ongoing.
- Where
- Alleged activities and the reporting concern operations and individuals in India, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
- Why
- India asserts that Bloomberg's report lacks factual basis, omits evidence of terrorism, and displays Western hypocrisy by shielding extremists while accusing India of overreach, contrary to international law and evidence.
India
Bloomberg Report and Western Governments
Characterization of Khalistani Individuals
India
Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun are designated terrorists with evidence of violent incitement, links to terrorist outfits like Khalistan Tiger Force, and involvement in crimes including murder and conspiracy. Pannun has made direct threats and glorified violence.
Bloomberg Report and Western Governments
Bloomberg presents Nijjar and Pannun as 'activists' and 'campaigners for Khalistan,' humanizing them and portraying them as victims of a 'vengeful' Indian state, while downplaying their alleged extremist backgrounds.
Evidence and Verification
India
Bloomberg's report relies on anonymous sources, Western intelligence leaks, and statements from the accused (Pannun), neglecting India's evidence, charge sheets, Red Corner Notices, and official denials. The report questions the motive of Western governments to deflect from their own failures to curb extremism.
Bloomberg Report and Western Governments
The report claims to provide an 'inside story' based on intelligence and law enforcement agencies, weaving a narrative of alleged Indian intelligence plots, and presenting India's denial as a mere formality.
Western Government Actions and International Law
India
Western nations, particularly the US and Canada, have harbored individuals calling for Khalistan's creation, refused extradition requests, and invoked 'freedom of speech' to shield extremists. Intercepting Indian officials' communications violates the Vienna Convention. Western inaction and sheltering of extremists is enabling terrorism.
Bloomberg Report and Western Governments
Western governments are portrayed as presenting their actions as counter-terrorism or self-defense, while accusing India of overreach. The report implies Western nations are selectively applying standards and turning a blind eye to the ecosystem of extremism.
Motivations for Khalistan Movement
India
The demand for Khalistan predates Operation Blue Star and was a primary demand of terrorists like Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. Individuals like Nijjar and Pannun are part of a movement advocating for secession through violence.
Bloomberg Report and Western Governments
Bloomberg suggests the demand for Khalistan arose after Operation Blue Star, framing it as a campaign for self-determination and failing to address the violent and secessionist nature of the movement.
- Publication Accused
- Bloomberg
- Accusation Against India
- Orchestrating transnational assassinations of Khalistani 'activists'
- Key Individuals Mentioned
- Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Avtar Singh Khanda
- India's Official Stance
- Categorically denies involvement in criminal activities on foreign land; no Indian state arm authorized for extrajudicial acts.
- Terror Designations
- Nijjar and Pannun designated terrorists under India's Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
- Organizations Mentioned
- Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF)
- International Law Violation Claim
- Intercepting communications of Indian officials by Five Eyes nations (UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) breaches Vienna Convention.
