US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Monday, leading a 28-member American delegation comprising embassy officials, scholars and US government representatives. The visit placed renewed attention on the longstanding relationship between the Sikh community and the United States, while also providing an opportunity to discuss issues affecting Sikhs living abroad.
During his visit to Sri Harmandir Sahib, Gor paid obeisance at the shrine and held meetings with Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami and acting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj. Discussions focused on matters concerning the Sikh community in the United States, along with broader issues related to the Punjabi diaspora.
The visit marked Gor’s second trip to the Golden Temple. According to Dhami, the US envoy recalled visiting the shrine with his parents around 15 years ago. Reflecting on his return, Gor wrote a message in the visitors’ book expressing his appreciation for the occasion.
“Honoured to return to this very special place. I visited for the first time now 15 years ago. Thrilled to be back!” he wrote.
As a mark of respect, Dhami and Gargajj honoured Gor with a model of Sri Harmandir Sahib and religious literature.
During a closed-door meeting, Dhami raised concerns over a recent poster issued by the US Department of Homeland Security that used the word “Singh” in a derogatory manner. He noted that the poster had been withdrawn after objections from the SGPC but urged US authorities to take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The discussions also covered concerns affecting the Punjabi diaspora in the United States, particularly issues linked to immigration enforcement. Dhami highlighted the contributions made by Punjabis and Sikhs across various sectors in the United States and called for continued efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all communities.
Acting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj emphasized the historical and cultural links between Sikhs and the United States. He expressed hope that concerns raised regarding Sikh families would receive due attention.
Gargajj said many American officers had served in the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and noted that Sikhs and Punjabis living in the United States continue to contribute positively to the country's development. He described the interaction with Gor as productive and said the US envoy had also invited a Sikh delegation to visit the United States.
Beyond the Golden Temple, Gor’s itinerary included visits to Jallianwala Bagh and the Partition Museum, underscoring Punjab’s religious and historical importance. At the museum, he listened to oral accounts related to the Partition of India and viewed exhibits showcasing memorabilia from that period.
The visit holds broader diplomatic significance due to the strong presence of the Punjabi and Sikh diaspora in the United States. Concerns over US immigration policies and enforcement have remained important issues for many Punjabi families. Discussions surrounding Punjabi truckers have also emerged as a point of political debate in recent times.
Gor’s visit additionally comes amid continued cooperation between India and the United States on security matters and ongoing sensitivities linked to Khalistan-related politics.
Brief Pro-Khalistan Demonstration Outside Golden Temple
A brief demonstration was reported outside the Golden Temple during the ambassador’s visit. Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president Emaan Singh Mann, accompanied by party workers, gathered near the shrine’s main entrance and raised slogans including “Khalistan Zindabad” and “God Bless America.” Security personnel subsequently managed the crowd, and the situation remained under control.