US officials have expressed to their Indian counterparts the urgency for quick results and greater accountability regarding the investigation into India’s involvement in an alleged murder plot against a Sikh activist in the United States. This came after a visit from an Indian Inquiry Committee to Washington, following allegations by the Justice Department that an Indian intelligence officer had directed the assassination plans against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh separatist holding dual US-Canada citizenship.
A US official, speaking anonymously, emphasized, “We are clear that the US government won’t be completely satisfied until we see substantial accountability.” They added that it’s crucial for India to expedite its investigative process.
The Indian embassy in Washington has not yet responded to requests for comments, and this development has not been publicly reported before. Last week, a court indictment revealed that Vikash Yadav, a former Indian intelligence officer, was charged with orchestrating the plot against Pannun in New York City. The indictment alleges that starting in May 2023, Yadav, then a government employee, collaborated with others domestically and internationally to advance the assassination plan.
These allegations have strained US-India relations, especially as the Biden administration views India as a vital ally against China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. A US official remarked, “India is an incredibly important strategic partner, but we need to trust one another and address challenging issues transparently.”
India has classified Sikh separatists as “terrorists” and a security threat, particularly those advocating for Khalistan, an independent homeland. Pannun has accused Yadav of being tasked with organizing the assassination by higher-ranking Indian officials.
Since announcing a formal investigation into the allegations in November 2023, India has been largely silent and is also engaged in separate diplomatic tensions with Canada following the June 2023 killing of another Sikh leader. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently stated that credible allegations suggest that Indian officials may have been involved in the homicide of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh separatist. India has denied any involvement in both cases.
