A statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India has constituted a high-level probe panel after the US shared inputs on security concerns regarding a nexus between criminals, terrorists, gun runners, and others, during a recent bilateral meeting.
The statement conveyed that the government of India would undertake necessary actions following the findings of the Enquiry Committee. This development followed a report by the Financial Times, citing unnamed officials, claiming that the US had foiled a plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. The newspaper also stated that the US government had issued a \"warning\" to India, expressing concerns about its alleged involvement in the plot against Pannun.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual American and Canadian citizen, is a leader of Sikhs for Justice, designated as a terrorist outfit by India. Pannun, as per the report, declined to confirm whether the US authorities had alerted him about the alleged assassination plot, deferring to let the \"US government respond to the issue of threats to my life on American soil from Indian operatives.
\"Last week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) acknowledged receiving \"inputs\" from the US regarding this matter. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi mentioned that the inputs raised concerns for both countries, prompting them to decide on necessary follow-up actions. However, the MEA did not reference Pannun or the Financial Times report. Bagchi underscored India's serious consideration of such inputs, emphasizing the impact on national security interests.
He noted that relevant departments were already examining issues related to US inputs. Subsequently, White House spokesperson Adrienne Watson stated that India expressed \"surprise and concern\" upon learning about its alleged involvement in the plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
India clarified that such activity was not part of its policy. Watson conveyed that the US government had discussed the matter with the Indian government at the highest level, treating it with the \"utmost seriousness.\" She mentioned India's ongoing investigation and the expectation that those responsible would be held accountable.
The Financial Times report coincided with tensions between India and Canada, sparked by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegation of Indian government involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in June of the same year.
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