India is considering possible institutional reforms in response to the Pannun issue and alleged assassination attempts, according to U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell. He mentioned that the U.S. is seeking accountability from the Indian government and has been actively requesting updates on the committee investigating the matter.
Mr. Campbell stated, “We have engaged in constructive discussions with India regarding this issue and they have been receptive to our concerns. We have clearly communicated our expectations for accountability from the Indian government and have consistently sought updates from the Indian committee… We have raised this matter directly with the Indian government at the highest levels of bilateral discussions.” He added, “We also understand that Indian officials are exploring potential institutional changes following the allegations and reports. Ongoing discussions on this topic are taking place between the U.S. and India.”
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Mr. Campbell made these remarks during a virtual briefing on the second India-U.S. initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) dialogue, which was chaired by the National Security Advisers of both countries last week.
The External Affairs Ministry established a “high-level” inquiry committee on November 18 to investigate the alleged assassination plot against U.S.-Canadian Khalistani separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in May 2023.
The investigation, conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), resulted in a chargesheet against Indian national Nikhil Gupta, 52, who allegedly hired a hitman to target Khalistani separatists in the U.S. and Canada on behalf of a senior Indian security official.
Mr. Gupta was extradited to the U.S. from the Czech Republic last week and has appeared in a New York court since then.
India-Russia ties
Addressing the issue of India-Russia relations amidst the deepening technological cooperation between India and the U.S., Mr. Campbell highlighted that the two countries engage in a “full and frank” dialogue, which also includes discussions on India’s relationship with Russia.
“We are working towards enhancing the technological partnership between the U.S. and India. While we have expressed concerns about the impact of India’s ongoing relationship with Russia in military and technological aspects, we also have trust in India,” he explained.
Furthermore, Mr. Campbell emphasized that both the U.S. and India are significant global powers with areas of alignment. He acknowledged that differences in perspectives may arise due to historical ties but emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue to address disagreements within the strategic partnership.
The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State highlighted the strong bilateral relationship between the U.S. and India, stating that India will play a crucial role as a partner in the 21st century. He also noted the bipartisan support for the U.S.-India ties.
During the iCET dialogue, plans were discussed for launching ambitious Indian Ocean deliberations to enhance maritime cooperation. Mr. Campbell expressed the U.S.’s commitment to supporting India’s maritime capabilities, both naval and aerial, and reiterated the value of India’s central role in the Indian Ocean.
