India has expressed deep concern over the recent indictment by the United States of Nikhil Gupta, an Indian individual accused of conspiring to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. The matter, described as “contrary to the government policy,” has prompted a swift response from the Ministry of External Affairs.
Official Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, addressing the issue earlier today, revealed that India is thoroughly examining the inputs provided by the United States. In response to US claims of a nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, and terrorists, Bagchi stated that India takes such inputs seriously. To investigate the allegations, India established a high-level inquiry committee on November 18, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
“The nexus between organized crime, trafficking, gunrunning, and extremists at an international level is a serious issue for law enforcement agencies and organizations to consider,” the official spokesperson remarked.
On a related note, Bagchi underscored India’s concerns regarding Canada, stating that the country consistently provides space to anti-India extremists. Indian diplomats in Canada have reportedly faced challenges, and Bagchi expects the Canadian government to uphold its obligations under the Vienna Convention.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the alleged target of the plot, leads the separatist organization ‘Sikhs for Justice,’ which India has designated as a terrorist outfit. The accusations against Nikhil Gupta surfaced following an announcement by the US Justice Department that Gupta, in collaboration with an Indian government official, orchestrated an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate Pannun, an American citizen residing in New York City.
The US Department of Justice outlined the details of the foiled plot, stating that Gupta, aged 52, had agreed to pay $100,000 to an assassin for the killing. An advance payment of $15,000 was reportedly made on June 9, 2023. However, Gupta’s plan was thwarted as the individual he contacted for the hitman turned out to be a confidential source cooperating with US law enforcement.
The gravity of the situation was emphasized by Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, who remarked, “As alleged, the defendant conspired from India to assassinate, right here in New York City, a US citizen of Indian origin who has publicly advocated for the establishment of a sovereign state for Sikhs.”
Gupta was apprehended by Czech authorities on June 30, 2023, under a bilateral extradition treaty with the US, underscoring the international implications of the alleged plot. India’s response highlights the complex challenges posed by organized crime and terrorism on a global scale, necessitating thorough investigations and diplomatic considerations.
