India scrutiny fuels US push to criminalise foreign repression

WASHINGTON: A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced legislation aimed at criminalising efforts by foreign governments to intimidate political opponents and activists living in the United States, amid growing concern in Washington over alleged cases of transnational repression involving India.

The Stop Transnational Repression Act of 2026, sponsored by Democratic Senator Adam Schiff and Republican Senator John Curtis, would make transnational repression a specific federal crime for the first time. It would expand the Justice Department and FBI’s authority to investigate and prosecute foreign efforts to suppress dissent on American soil.

Under the proposed legislation, individuals convicted of transnational repression could face an additional prison sentence of up to 10 years and fines of up to $100,000, alongside penalties for any underlying offences. The bill would also strengthen the role of the US Justice Department’s National Security Division and the Assistant Attorney General for National Security in pursuing such cases.

Legislation proposes to makes repression a specific federal crime for first time

The legislation comes as Con­gress and US law enforcement agencies focus increasingly on a growing pattern of foreign governments attempting to silence critics beyond their own borders.

India, a key US strategic partner, has faced congressional scrutiny following allegations that individuals linked to its government targeted Sikh activists in North America.

In late 2024, the Department of Justice unsealed charges against Indian national Nikhil Gupta, who was accused of attempting to arrange the assassination of a Sikh-American activist in New York at the direction of Vikash Yadav, whom US authorities identified as an Indian government employee.

Yadav was later charged with murder-for-hire, conspiracy and money laundering offences. India has rejected the allegations and announced an internal inquiry.

Canadian authorities have also pursued a separate case involving the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. India has denied involvement in both cases.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2026