The United States Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, on Monday paid obeisance at Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple) as part of a high-level 29-member American delegation to offer prayers and pay homage at the revered Sikh shrine.
The delegation comprises prominent US Senators, senior government officials, and foreign policy scholars. During their visit, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami and Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj honoured Gor and the delegation members at the Information Centre of the Central Sikh shrine. The dignitaries presented them with a model of Sri Harmandar Sahib, religious literature, and traditional woollen shawls. Dhami urged the US authorities to take preventive measures to avoid such occurrences in the future While noting that the post was removed following objections sent by the SGPC. He acknowledged the significant contributions of Punjabis, particularly the Sikh community, to the growth and development of the United States, calling on the Donald Trump administration to ensure the safety and security of all diaspora communities residing in the country. Amid the diplomatic engagement, a brief demonstration occurred outside the shrine’s entrance. They also urged the administration to let them meet the US envoy to hand over a memorandum, but their plea was turned down. The party urged sustained US diplomacy to prevent renewed hostilities, restore Indus Waters Treaty cooperation, and reopen regional trade like the TAPI pipeline to ensure Punjab’s economic future. Additionally, SAD (A) appealed for international attention regarding the secessionist mission.
In the memorandum, SAD (Amritsar) praised president Trump’s diplomatic role in halting the May 2025 India–Pakistan confrontation, endorsing him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Earlier reporting noted: Gor, who was leading a 28-member delegation, paid obeisance at the Golden Temple, where he was welcomed by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami and Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, an SGPC statement said.
The day-long outreach programme reflects Washington’s interest in strengthening ties beyond New Delhi, particularly with Punjab, which shares strong cultural and diaspora linkages with North America, according to the reports. Acting President of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) Emaan Singh Mann, along with party workers, gathered outside the shrine’s main entrance and briefly raised slogans of “Khalistan Zindabad” with flags of ‘Khalistan’ and “God Bless America” before security personnel managed them. The memorandum was sent through email, said the party leader Harpal Singh Bler. Earlier reporting noted: During his visit, Gor was briefed about the sacred rituals of Harmandir Sahib, ‘Gurbani Kirtan’ and the ‘Sewa’ tradition of the ‘Guru Ghar’, the SGPC said.
