Vedant Patel, the US principal deputy spokesperson, shared that there had been “valuable engagement” between India’s investigation committee and US authorities concerning the alleged foiled assassination attempt on Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a pro-Khalistani figure based in the US. Patel stated that information was exchanged between both nations to advance their investigations into the matter.
“Valuable Engagement” Between US and India on Pannun Assassination Plot
During a media briefing, Patel emphasized that while progress had been made, the United States expects more accountability from the investigation before it is delighted. He stressed the importance of meaningful results from the inquiry into the plot targeting Pannun. Although acknowledging the active investigation, Patel said the US is awaiting further steps from India’s inquiry committee following discussions held between the two countries last week.
When asked about the message conveyed to India, Patel reiterated that last week’s engagement was productive and that there is an ongoing exchange of information between both governments. He added, “We anticipate that India’s investigative team will take further actions based on last week’s dialogue.” However, Patel noted that the US would remain unsatisfied until there was substantial accountability and refused to provide further details, given the sensitivity of the ongoing investigations in both countries.
Indian Committee Visits US for Investigation Into Former Indian Official’s Involvement
The US State Department confirmed that an Indian investigative committee visited the US to probe the role of a former Indian government official in the plot to assassinate Pannun, who is classified as a terrorist by India.
Gurpatwant Pannun: India-Designated Terrorist With US and Canadian Citizenship
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, an advocate for the Khalistan movement, is officially designated as a terrorist by India. He holds citizenship in both the United States and Canada. In November, the US Justice Department revealed an indictment against an Indian national accused of being involved in the foiled assassination attempt on Pannun.
US Presses India for Quick Accountability in Assassination Plot Investigation
According to a report by Reuters, US officials have communicated to India their desire for swift and thorough results in the investigation surrounding Indian involvement in the plot to assassinate Pannun. An unnamed US official stated that the US government made it clear that it would not feel delighted until meaningful accountability was achieved in the case. The US has urged India to expedite its investigative process.
The Indian embassy in Washington did not provide any comments regarding the situation, and this particular communication from the US to Indian officials had not been disclosed before.
Indictment of Former Indian Intelligence Officer in Assassination Plot
Last week, it was revealed that Vikash Yadav, a former officer of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), was charged by the US with orchestrating the assassination plot against the Sikh separatist leader in New York. According to the indictment, Yadav, in collaboration with others in India and abroad, directed the plot against Pannun beginning in May 2023.
Indian Government Confirms Ex-Officer’s Status
In response to the US Justice Department’s charges, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the individual named in the indictment is no longer an employee of the Indian government. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “The US State Department informed us that the person mentioned in the indictment is no longer associated with the Indian government. I can confirm that he is no longer an employee.”
Canadian Allegations Against India Over Sikh Leader’s Assassination
This investigation follows another high-profile accusation made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in September. Trudeau claimed that Canadian intelligence had credible evidence suggesting that the Indian government was involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist in Canada. India, however, has denied any involvement in either incident involving Pannun or Nijjar.
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