India has strongly dismissed a lawsuit filed by Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in a US federal court, calling it “unwarranted and unsubstantiated.” The lawsuit alleges a failed plot by the Indian government to assassinate Pannun on US soil. This development comes just days before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to the United States from September 21-23, during which he will participate in the Quad Leaders’ Summit and address the UN’s ‘Summit of the Future.’
Pannun, the leader of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a group banned under India’s Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), filed the civil lawsuit in New York. The suit demands damages for an alleged attempt to eliminate him in 2022. Pannun, who holds dual citizenship in the US and Canada, is wanted in India on terrorism charges, and his group has been labeled as engaging in “anti-national and subversive activities.”
At a special briefing ahead of PM Modi’s visit, responding to the lawsuit, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri firmly rejected the claims, stating, “These are completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations. Now that this particular case has been lodged, it doesn’t change our views about the underlying situation.” Misri also underscored Pannun’s controversial history, saying, “I would only invite your attention to the person behind this particular case whose antecedents are well known.”
The Lawsuit: Key Allegations
The lawsuit, filed on September 17 in a US district court, names the Indian government and key officials, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, former R&AW chief Samant Goel, and senior intelligence official Vikram Yadav, along with Indian national Nikhil Gupta. Pannun accuses these individuals of plotting to assassinate him in New York, a claim that stems from Gupta’s indictment in November 2022 by US federal prosecutors.
Gupta, extradited from the Czech Republic to the US in June 2023, was charged with working alongside an Indian government employee in a conspiracy to kill Pannun. The lawsuit alleges that Gupta was tasked with hiring an assassin to carry out the attack, but the plot was foiled. Gupta has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The 28-page complaint also draws connections to the recent killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, suggesting a broader pattern of targeting Khalistani figures. Pannun’s legal team argues that the Modi government was directly involved in the attempt on his life and seeks compensation for the harm caused. The lawsuit asserts, “The US captured and indicted Gupta. But the Government of India denies responsibility.”
India’s Firm Denial
India has categorically denied the allegations, asserting that Pannun’s group, SFJ, has long been involved in activities that threaten India’s territorial integrity. “I would also underline the fact that the organization—so-called that this person represents—is an unlawful organization, declared as such under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act of 1967, on account of its involvement in anti-national and subversive activities aimed at disrupting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India,” Misri stated at the media briefing.
The Indian government has initiated a high-level inquiry into the matter based on the information provided by the US, with both countries’ relevant agencies actively engaging in the investigation. “When these issues were first brought to our attention, we have taken certain action, and these issues, including the allegations, are being inquired into by a high-level committee,” Misri said.
PM Modi’s US Visit and Bilateral Relations
Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to the US adds a significant geopolitical dimension to the timing of this lawsuit. He is expected to attend the annual Quad summit, as well as hold bilateral discussions with US President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware. Although the Khalistan issue was raised during the media briefing, Misri declined to confirm whether it would be a focal point of discussions between Modi and Biden. “As we have said earlier, whatever issues are of mutual concern between India and America, we discuss them all,” Misri said.
He further emphasized that the overall relationship between India and the US remains broad and strategic. “The agenda between India and the US is vast and deep, and all issues are open for discussions,” he added.