NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to allegations linking India to a foiled plot to murder Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States. Modi asserted that India would examine any information it receives on the matter.
The alleged plot, unveiled by the US Justice Department last month, implicated an Indian government official in directing the conspiracy. Charges were brought against a man accused of planning the attempted murder.
In an interview with the Financial Times published on Wednesday, Modi stated, “If someone gives us any information, we would definitely look into it. If a citizen of ours has done anything good or bad, we are ready to look into it. Our commitment is to the rule of law.” He downplayed the potential impact on diplomatic ties with the United States, emphasizing India’s dedication to maintaining a mature and stable partnership with Washington.
The target of the foiled murder attempt, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, holds dual citizenship in the United States and Canada and serves as the general counsel of Sikhs for Justice. India designated the group as an “unlawful association” in 2019. Pannun was subsequently listed as an “individual terrorist” in 2020.
India’s Involvement in Sikh Separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s Murder
This development follows Canada’s announcement two months ago, where credible allegations were raised linking Indian agents to the June murder of another Sikh separatist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in a Vancouver suburb.
Modi emphasized that security and counter-terrorism cooperation remain crucial components of the partnership between India and the United States, stating, “I do not think it is appropriate to link a few incidents with diplomatic relations between the two countries.” The Indian government had previously dissociated itself from the foiled plot, promising to take necessary follow-up action based on the findings of a panel established on November 18.
