In November of last year, US federal prosecutors brought charges against Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, for his alleged participation in a thwarted scheme to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The United States has been collaborating with India in examining the accusations linked to the conspiracy to kill Pannun, a prominent figure associated with Sikh separatism.
A recent report from The Washington Post implicated a Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) officer in connection with the alleged assassination plot on US soil targeting Pannun. In response to these claims, the US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson, Vedant Patel, emphasized ongoing cooperation with India in seeking further updates and accountability based on the outcomes of India's inquiry committee's investigation. Patel stated that they would raise concerns with the Indian Government at senior levels and refrained from delving deeper into the details, deferring any additional comments to the Department of Justice.
The External Affairs Ministry in India swiftly rejected the allegations, labeling The Washington Post's report as baseless and unverified. Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal criticized the speculative nature of the claims, highlighting that an inquiry committee established by the Indian government was actively examining the inputs received from the US regarding the purported plot on Pannun's life. Jaiswal cautioned against unfounded statements regarding the matter, emphasizing the importance of addressing the issue through official investigative channels.