US senators introduce bill to criminalise transnational repression amid scrutiny of India
Washington: A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced legislation seeking to criminalise transnational repression by foreign governments, amid increasing scrutiny in Washington over allegations that India targeted Sikh activists and political dissidents in North America.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Stop Transnational Repression Act of 2026, introduced by Democratic Senator Adam Schiff and Republican Senator John Curtis, would make transnational repression a specific federal crime for the first time. The proposed legislation would expand the powers of the US Department of Justice and the FBI to investigate and prosecute foreign governments accused of intimidating, harassing or targeting political opponents and activists on American soil.
Under the bill, those convicted of transnational repression could face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $100,000, in addition to penalties for any related offences. The legislation also strengthens the role of the Justice Department’s National Security Division in pursuing such cases.
The move comes as the US Congress and law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to counter foreign governments accused of attempting to silence critics living abroad.
India has come under growing congressional scrutiny following allegations that individuals linked to the Indian government targeted Sikh activists in the United States and Canada.
In 2024, the US Department of Justice charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta with allegedly plotting to assassinate a Sikh-American activist in New York at the direction of Vikash Yadav, identified by US authorities as an Indian government employee. Yadav was later charged with murder-for-hire, conspiracy and money laundering. India has denied the allegations and said it launched an internal inquiry.
Canadian authorities have also linked Indian agents to the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, allegations that New Delhi has also rejected.
The proposed legislation reflects growing concern in Washington over what lawmakers describe as foreign governments’ attempts to suppress dissent and intimidate critics beyond their national borders. KMS-1K
US senators introduce bill to criminalise transnational repression amid scrutiny of India
Washington, July 22 (KMS): A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced legislation seeking to criminalise transnational repression by foreign governments, amid increasing scrutiny in Washington over allegations that India targeted Sikh activists and political dissidents in North America.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Stop Transnational Repression Act of 2026, introduced by Democratic Senator Adam Schiff and Republican Senator John Curtis, would make transnational repression a specific federal crime for the first time. The proposed legislation would expand the powers of the US Department of Justice and the FBI to investigate and prosecute foreign governments accused of intimidating, harassing or targeting political opponents and activists on American soil.
Under the bill, those convicted of transnational repression could face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $100,000, in addition to penalties for any related offences. The legislation also strengthens the role of the Justice Department’s National Security Division in pursuing such cases.
The move comes as the US Congress and law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to counter foreign governments accused of attempting to silence critics living abroad.
India has come under growing congressional scrutiny following allegations that individuals linked to the Indian government targeted Sikh activists in the United States and Canada.
In 2024, the US Department of Justice charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta with allegedly plotting to assassinate a Sikh-American activist in New York at the direction of Vikash Yadav, identified by US authorities as an Indian government employee. Yadav was later charged with murder-for-hire, conspiracy and money laundering. India has denied the allegations and said it launched an internal inquiry.
Canadian authorities have also linked Indian agents to the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, allegations that New Delhi has also rejected.
The proposed legislation reflects growing concern in Washington over what lawmakers describe as foreign governments’ attempts to suppress dissent and intimidate critics beyond their national borders.
