WASHINGTON: A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced legislation that would, for the first time, make transnational repression a specific federal crime, amid growing concern over alleged efforts by foreign governments—including India—to target political opponents and activists living in the United States.
The Stop Transnational Repression Act of 2026, introduced by Democratic Senator Adam Schiff and Republican Senator John Curtis, would expand the powers of the US Justice Department and the FBI to investigate and prosecute attempts by foreign states to intimidate or silence critics on American soil.
If enacted, the legislation would allow courts to impose an additional prison term of up to 10 years and fines of up to $100,000 on those convicted of transnational repression, in addition to penalties for any related offences. It would also enhance the role of the Justice Department’s National Security Division and the Assistant Attorney General for National Security in handling such cases.
The proposal comes as Congress and US law enforcement agencies increase their focus on what they describe as a growing trend of foreign governments seeking to suppress dissent beyond their borders.
India, a major US strategic partner, has come under congressional scrutiny following allegations that individuals linked to its government targeted Sikh activists in North America.
In late 2024, the US Department of Justice announced charges against Indian national Nikhil Gupta, accusing him 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 employee of the Indian government.
Yadav was subsequently charged with murder-for-hire, conspiracy and money laundering. India has denied the allegations and said it launched an internal investigation into the matter.
Separately, Canadian authorities continue to investigate the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. India has also denied any involvement in that case.
