US Seeks Speedy Result and Accountability in Investigation of Indian Involvement in Foiled Murder Plot against Sikh Activist
US Officials Demand Transparency and Speed in Indian Investigation
Washington: US officials have told their Indian counterparts that they want a speedy result and more accountability after their investigation into Indian involvement in a foiled murder plot against a Sikh activist in the United States, according to a US official.
Indian Enquiry Committee Visits Washington
An Indian Enquiry Committee visited Washington last week to discuss India’s own investigations after the Justice Department alleged an Indian intelligence official had directed plans to assassinate dual U.S.-Canada citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh separatist, last year.
US Official’s Message
"We’ve communicated really clearly that the US government isn’t going to feel fully satisfied until we see that meaningful accountability takes place," said a US official who declined to be named. "We have been emphasizing that we hope that India will move as quickly as possible through their investigative process."
Indian Embassy’s Response
The Indian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Washington’s message to Indian officials has not been previously reported.
Unsealed Indictment Reveals Shocking Allegations
Last week, an unsealed indictment showed that the United States had charged Vikash Yadav, described as a former officer in India’s Research and Analysis Wing spy service, with directing the plot against a Sikh separatist in New York City. The indictment alleged that beginning in May 2023, Yadav, described as an employee of the Indian government at the time, worked with others in India and abroad to direct a plot against Pannun.
Tensions in US-India Relations
The accusations have tested Washington’s relations with India, which the Biden administration sees as a potential counterbalance to China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific. "India remains an incredibly important and valuable strategic partner," the US official said. "We also have to have trust and an ability to work through very difficult issues like this transparently."
Context: India’s View on Sikh Separatist Movement
India has labeled Sikh separatists as "terrorists" and threats to its security. Sikh separatists demand an independent homeland known as Khalistan, which would be carved out of India. An insurgency in India during the 1980s and 1990s killed tens of thousands. Pannun, the Sikh separatist, has alleged that Yadav was a "mid-tier soldier" assigned the task of organizing the assassination by higher-level Indian officials.
India’s Investigation
India has said little publicly since announcing in November 2023 it would formally investigate the allegations, and it has separately continued a diplomatic dispute with Canada over the June 2023 assassination of another Sikh leader. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in September his country’s intelligence agency was pursuing credible allegations that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government was behind the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh separatist. India has denied involvement in both incidents.
Conclusion
The US demand for speed and accountability in the Indian investigation is a crucial test for the two nations’ relations. As the US looks to maintain its strategic partnership with India, it must ensure that India upholds high standards of transparency and accountability in its investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the US government seeking in its investigation of Indian involvement in a foiled murder plot against a Sikh activist?
A: The US government seeks a speedy result and more accountability.
Q: What is the context of the Sikh separatist movement in India?
A: Sikh separatists demand an independent homeland known as Khalistan, which would be carved out of India. An insurgency in India during the 1980s and 1990s killed tens of thousands.
Q: How has India responded to the allegations?
A: India has said little publicly since announcing its investigation, and it has denied involvement in the foiled murder plot and the June 2023 assassination of a Canadian Sikh leader.