Amidst the unfolding controversy surrounding an alleged attempt to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil, there are anticipations for FBI Director Christopher Wray’s impending visit to India next week. The official confirmation of this news came from US Ambassador Eric Garcetti to India, signifying a concerted effort to fortify collaboration in law enforcement between the United States and India.
Delving into the dynamics of India-US relations, Ambassador Eric Garcetti shed light on the frequency of high-profile visits from eminent US officials during a panel discussion at the Carnegie ‘Global Technology Summit’ in New Delhi. His remarks underscored the deepening ties between India and the US, emphasizing that FBI Director Wray’s upcoming visit aims to enhance cooperation on various fronts related to law enforcement matters.
This impending visit by FBI Director Wray follows closely on the heels of the recent visit by US Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer to Delhi. During his visit, Finer engaged in discussions with India’s Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri, where the topic of the alleged assassination plot was brought to the forefront. The White House acknowledged India’s swift response in establishing a Committee of Enquiry to investigate the plot, underscoring the paramount importance of holding those responsible accountable.
A significant development in this narrative unfolded when the United States formally charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta. Gupta faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and related charges in connection with the plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York City.
According to US Justice Department documents, an unnamed Indian government official is alleged to have collaborated with Gupta in the sinister plot. In response to these grave allegations, New Delhi promptly constituted a high-level Special Enquiry Committee, tasked with a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
The gravity of the situation was further underscored by statements from State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. Addressing the Pannun case, Miller emphasized that Washington DC has elevated the matter to the highest echelons of the US government. He stated that the US government takes the issue seriously and has conveyed its concerns directly to External Affairs Minister Jaishankar. Miller expressed confidence in India’s commitment to conducting a thorough investigation, a sentiment reiterated by the public announcement of an investigation by Indian authorities.
In a broader context, Miller also urged the Indian administration to cooperate with Canada concerning the case of the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This call for cooperation underlines the interconnected nature of international efforts to combat terrorism and ensure accountability for heinous acts.
The forthcoming visit of FBI Director Christopher Wray to India serves as a pivotal moment, indicative of the concerted efforts to strengthen law enforcement cooperation between the United States and India. This endeavour unfolds against the backdrop of the alleged assassination plot, emphasizing the shared commitment to addressing security concerns and ensuring accountability in the face of evolving challenges.