India hopes for U.S. cooperation after Rana's extradition

India's security establishment is feeling optimistic after the recent discussions with the United States. Top intelligence officials from countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand met in New Delhi to address global security issues, including intelligence sharing and threats in the Indo-Pacific region. India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh raised concerns about the Sikh group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), which has been accused of promoting violence against India. The leader of SFJ, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, is sought by Indian authorities for various crimes. Despite these charges, he continues to operate freely from abroad, which India finds frustrating. The recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a suspect in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, has given India hope that the new US administration might be more cooperative. Meetings, including one between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and US officials, focused on shared security interests, particularly regarding the Indo-Pacific region. However, legal differences between the US and India complicate matters, especially regarding what constitutes a crime. India is concerned that actions deemed illegal in India, such as burning the national flag, are not considered crimes in the US. Despite the challenges, Indian officials are hopeful that tougher action will be taken against individuals like Pannun. The meeting with international intelligence leaders emphasized cooperation against shared security threats, including those posed by groups linked to Pakistan. Additionally, India is wary of Pakistan's military actions and has expressed its concerns about arms support to Pakistan from other nations. Internal preparations are underway in Jammu and Kashmir to deal with potential escalations in violence. Overall, while India sees potential for stronger US-India security ties, concerns about tariffs and economic policies under former President Trump remain a sticking point.