Beard Ban In U.s. Army A Direct Attack On Sikh Identity: Prof. Sarchand Singh Khyala

Appeals to Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to Intervene 
with the U.S. Government to Protect the Religious Rights of Sikh Soldiers
Amritsar, October 8, 2025 —
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Punjab spokesperson and Sikh scholar Prof. Sarchand Singh Khyala has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to take immediate diplomatic steps to protect Sikh soldiers affected by the recent U.S. Department of Defense decision revoking religious accommodations for maintaining beards and facial hair in the military. He stated that the Government of India must use its official and diplomatic influence to ensure protection of the religious rights of Sikh soldiers serving in the United States.
Prof. Khyala, in a written communication, highlighted that the U.S. Department of War (Secretary of War, 1000 Defense Pentagon, Washington D.C.) issued new directives on September 30, 2025, addressed to Pentagon leadership, combatant commanders, and heads of defense agencies. As per these new orders, the department is reverting to pre-2010 standards, under which general religious exemptions for keeping beards or facial hair will no longer be permitted in the U.S. armed forces.
According to the memorandum, exemptions will now be granted only in exceptional cases, following individual assessments under the Department of War Instruction 1300.17 on “Religious Liberty in the Military Services.” Applicants seeking religious accommodation must submit proof of faith from a recognized religious authority, and such exemptions will only apply to duties where the risk of chemical exposure or firefighting hazards is minimal.
Prof. Khyala stated that this new policy is not only concerning for religious minorities—particularly Sikh soldiers—but also constitutes a direct assault on Sikh identity, as keeping unshorn hair and beard is not merely a matter of personal preference but a sacred and inseparable part of Sikh faith and discipline. Forcing any soldier to abandon their religious appearance amounts to a grave violation of human rights and freedom of religion.
He reminded that in 2017, after prolonged efforts by Sikh soldiers and organizations, the U.S. Department of Defense had allowed Sikhs to serve freely with their turbans and beards in all military branches. Revoking that progressive decision in 2025 is not only a denial of religious liberty but also a disrespect to the historic contributions of Sikhs in global defense and peace missions.
Prof. Khyala asserted that no government directive can suppress or diminish the identity of the Sikh faith. Sikhs across the world are uniting to defend their religious and cultural identity, as the turban and beard are not mere symbols, but the very essence of Sikh existence and dignity.
He appealed to Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to engage with the U.S. government and ensure that the religious rights of Sikh soldiers are protected and upheld.