India-EU Free Trade Agreement strengthens counter-terror cooperation, triggering panic among Khalistani groups operating abroad. Enhanced security, intelligence sharing, and defence collaboration are expected to restrict extremist networks and expose foreign-backed separatist activities.
The recently concluded India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), widely described as the “mother of all trade deals,” has triggered visible anxiety among Khalistani separatist groups operating across Europe and North America. While the agreement promises economic growth and strategic cooperation for both India and the EU, it has also strengthened collaboration in counter-terrorism and security—an aspect that has deeply unsettled Khalistani elements.
The enhanced partnership is expected to significantly improve intelligence-sharing, security coordination, and joint action against extremist networks. Khalistani groups, which have long used countries such as Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom as operational bases, fear that closer India–EU ties will curtail their ability to function under the cover of free speech protections.
Organizations such as Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) have benefitted for years from what Indian officials describe as a “soft approach” by some Western governments. These groups have openly held rallies, spread anti-India propaganda, and issued threats, often citing freedom of expression laws. India, however, has consistently flagged these outfits as terrorist organizations under its domestic laws and has urged foreign governments to take stronger action.
The unease within Khalistani circles became evident following a statement by SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who reacted sharply to the agreement. He claimed that what the EU views as a free trade deal would allegedly evolve into a “transnational terrorism agreement.” Indian intelligence officials view such rhetoric as an attempt to provoke fear, gain attention, and incite hostility against Indian communities living abroad.
An Intelligence Bureau official noted that while panic has clearly set in among Khalistani operatives, statements like Pannun’s serve a dual purpose. “They are meant not only to oppose the India-EU partnership but also to provoke lone-wolf attacks and hatred against Indians living in Europe,” the official said, adding that such messaging has become a recurring tactic.
Security experts point out that countries like the United Kingdom and Canada have recently taken a firmer stance against extremist elements after India shared extensive evidence detailing their terrorist activities. The India-EU deal intensifies this pressure by institutionalizing cooperation on counter-terrorism, cyber threats, maritime security, and intelligence-sharing.
Another senior official observed that Pannun and his associates have repeatedly attempted to internationalize the Khalistan issue to remain relevant. “What was projected as a mass movement has remained a fringe activity. Targeting both India and the EU is a desperate attempt to stay in the spotlight,” the official said.
Following the signing of the agreement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the India-EU security and defence partnership would deepen cooperation across critical domains. A joint statement confirmed the launch of the EU–India Security and Defence Partnership, the first comprehensive framework of its kind, aimed at strengthening collaboration in defence technology, space security, cyber and hybrid threats, and counter-terrorism.
The two sides also announced negotiations on a Security of Information Agreement, which will enable the exchange of classified intelligence and enhance coordinated responses to emerging security challenges.
Counter-terrorism analysts believe that the strong emphasis on security cooperation has heightened concerns among Khalistani groups. After initially expressing fear, Pannun reverted to issuing threats, warning of attacks on Indian events such as the Beating Retreat Ceremony and continuing to push false narratives about alleged oppression of Sikhs in India.
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Experts dismiss these claims, noting that there is no ground-level support for separatism in Punjab. “If such oppression existed, the movement would have gained momentum long ago,” an analyst said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI, is reportedly attempting to revive Khalistani activities by smuggling arms via drones and using drug trafficking routes to generate funds. These efforts are also linked to broader terror operations targeting Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring the interconnected nature of regional security threats.
