New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded for the first time to the United States’ claim that an Indian official was involved in a conspiracy to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu. PM Modi stated that if the US has any evidence regarding this claim, it should be presented. He also emphasised that such incidents should not affect the relationship between India and the US.
In an interview with the Financial Times, PM Modi said, “If someone gives me any proof about this, then definitely we will consider it. If any of our citizens have done anything good or bad, we will consider it. We are committed to the rule of law.”
The US had recently alleged the involvement of an Indian official in a conspiracy to kill Pannu. The Biden administration claimed that an Indian official was involved in the plot, and the Indian foreign ministry has set up a committee to investigate these allegations. The committee will examine the claims and evidence provided by the US.
PM Modi also stated that Western countries should not encourage separatist elements. It is worth noting that India declared Gurpatwant Singh Pannu a terrorist in 2020.
On November 29, the US Department of Justice issued a statement alleging that Nikhil Gupta, an Indian-origin individual, conspired to kill Khalistani leader Pannu in New York. Gupta allegedly received instructions from an Indian official. Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic in June and is currently in the process of being extradited to the US.
Earlier this year, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered the first case against Pannu. The Khalistani terrorist has been on the NIA’s radar since 2019 and has been involved in anti-India activities while abroad. He is accused of promoting separatism in Punjab and inciting the youth to create a separate Khalistan state in India.
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