Khalistan Movement in India and its Regional Implications

Abstract

The Khalistan movement is a struggle for an independent state by the Sikh population residing in the Punjab province of India. The struggle for Sikh independence persisted following India’s independence in 1947, fuelled by perceptions of systemic discrimination and atrocities committed against the community by the Indian government. This movement stands out as one of India’s most active separatist movements, garnering significant regional and international attention. The movement has far-reaching political, social, and strategic implications at the regional level. It influences India’s internal dynamics, exacerbating tensions and impacting governance. Regionally, the movement’s ramifications extend to various circumstances and perspectives, shaping the geopolitical landscape in South Asia. Primarily, it affects the complex relationship between Pakistan and India, adding another layer of complexity to their already strained relations. A descriptive-analytical approach has been employed to analyze and understand the Khalistan movement and its regional implications. This method aims to comprehensively examine the movement, exploring its historical roots, contemporary dynamics, and the broader geopolitical context in which it operates. This approach is being sought to unravel the complexities surrounding the Khalistan movement and its multifaceted impact on the region