03/06/2026

June 1984, Transnational Repression as an Extension of Genocide

On 3 June 2026, an international conference titled “June 1984, Transnational Repression as an  Extension of Genocide ”  was held in Azerbaijan, organized by the Baku Initiative Group and dedicated to the Indian government's repressive policies toward ethnic minorities.

Representatives of the Dalit community, who have suffered from the Indian government's repressive and systematic discriminatory policies, also participated for the first time in events held in Azerbaijan. The conference also brought together prominent representatives of the Sikh community from Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, and the United States, as well as heads of think tanks, experts in the fields of human rights and ethnic minority issues, and individuals who have been direct victims of the Indian government's repressive, discriminatory, and persecutory policies.

The conference discussed the importance of ensuring that the issue of the Indian government's transnational repression and systematic persecution of ethnic and religious minorities—particularly members of the Sikh and Dalit diasporas and their family members—remains on the agenda of international organizations. In addition, participants exchanged views on enhancing coordinated cooperation among diaspora organizations affected by repression, strengthening collective legal protection mechanisms to address transnational persecution, and fostering coordinated engagement on international platforms.

It was noted that the report titled “Beyond Borders: India’s Transnational Repression Against the Sikh Diaspora,” jointly prepared by the Baku Initiative Group and Sikh Federation International in March 2026, examines the Indian government's repressive policies directed at members of the Sikh diaspora residing abroad and presents documented accounts related to the 1984 Amritsar events.

The conference also devoted considerable attention to examining the historical, legal, and humanitarian dimensions of India’s policies toward ethnic and religious minorities, as well as to exploring the historical and cultural linkages between Azerbaijan and the Sikh community. Discussions further emphasized the importance of expanding international academic cooperation in this field. To this end, a significant initiative was undertaken to facilitate future collaborative research and scholarly exchange between the parties.

Baku Initiative Group and Sikh Federation International have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in academic, historical, and cultural research. The partnership will promote joint research, scholarly dialogue, and cultural exchange. By bringing together researchers, academic institutions, and cultural organizations, the Parties aim to advance historical understanding, preserve cultural heritage, and foster international cooperation.

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