India is currently examining inputs from the United States regarding a potential plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. The US reportedly thwarted the plan and has raised the issue with the Indian government at the highest levels. The Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Aridam Bagchi, stated that India takes such inputs seriously as they impact national security interests and that relevant departments are already examining the issues raised by the US.
The White House also confirmed that they are treating the reported plot with utmost seriousness and expressed its concerns to the Indian government. White House spokesperson Adrienne Watson stated that the Indian counterparts were surprised and concerned and denied any involvement, stating that such activities were not their policy. The US expects that anyone found responsible for the plot should be held accountable.
According to the Financial Times, the US informed India about the alleged plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the founder of the banned organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). The report also mentioned that the US authorities warned India about potential involvement by the government in New Delhi. Pannun holds dual citizenship of the United States and Canada.
In a separate development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in India filed a case against Pannun on Monday. He is accused of issuing social media messages that threatened the safety of people flying with Air India and claimed that the airline would not be allowed to operate on November 19.
The Indian government is currently conducting further investigations into the matter and is expected to provide more information in the coming days. The US has conveyed its expectation that those responsible for the plot should be held accountable.
