WASHINGTON: A significant development in the ongoing saga involving India unfolded as US Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer led a delegation to New Delhi with aim to assess the progress made in the establishment of an investigative panel to probe an alleged plot to assassinate a Sikh leader on US soil.
Last week, the US Justice Department implicated an Indian government official in directing the unsuccessful plot, announcing charges against an individual accused of orchestrating the attempted murder.
The target of the alleged assassination attempt is identified as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh Khalistan leader holding dual citizenship in the United States and Canada.
In response to the allegations, India expressed concern about the linkage of one of its government officials to the plot, distancing itself and stating it goes against government policy. India announced last week that it would formally investigate the concerns raised by the US and take necessary follow-up action based on the findings of a panel established on November 18.
This latest episode comes on the heels of Canada’s assertion two months ago, claiming “credible” allegations linking Indian agents to the June murder of another Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in a Vancouver suburb. India rejected these allegations at the time. The diplomatic tension surrounding these incidents poses challenges to India’s international standing, and the visit of the US delegation underscores the gravity of the situation.
