Examining inputs: India on 'plot to kill Pannun' report

The US shared inputs on a nexus between organised criminals, gun runners and terrorists during the course of recent discussions, and relevant departments were examining them, India said on Wednesday -- hours after the Financial Times reported that American authorities thwarted a plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil.

- Prashant Jha

The Joe Biden administration, too, confirmed that the US, at the senior most levels, raised the concern with India and expected those deemed responsible to be held accountable. India, according to the US, was surprised and concerned when the issue was raised, and told Washington DC that this was not government policy and will investigate the matter.

The remarks by the ministry of external affairs (MEA) came in response to the report in the London-based newspaper which also suggested that the US warned India against any involvement in a plot to kill Pannun, a Sikh extremist the government of India officially designated as a terrorist but who also happens to be a dual American and Canadian citizen.

“During the course of recent discussions on India-US security cooperation, the US side shared some inputs pertaining to nexus between organised criminals, gun runners, terrorists and others. The inputs are a cause of concern for both countries and they decided to take necessary follow-up action,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

Bagchi added that India took such inputs seriously as it impinged on Indian “national security interests as well”. “Issues in the context of US inputs are already being examined by relevant departments.”

The FT report said it was unclear whether the developments led the plotters to abandon their plan of killing Pannun, or “whether FBI intervened and foiled a scheme”.

“One person familiar with the situation said the US protest was issued after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a high-profile state visit to Washington in June,” the report added.

The development came two months after Canada said there were “credible” allegations linking Indian agents to the murder of another Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in a Vancouver suburb. New Delhi has denied the charges and said there was no proof to back the allegations.