'India Expressed Surprise, Said Such Activity Not Their Policy': US On Alleged Plot To Assassinate Khalistani Terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun

In response to reports suggesting India's involvement in an alleged plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the White House responded that it has taken a serious stance, engaging in high-level discussions with the Indian government.

National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson highlighted the gravity of the issue, expressing the US' expectation of a thorough investigation.

Watson said, "Indian counterparts expressed surprise and concern. They stated that activity of this nature was not their policy."

As reported by Indian Express, the Financial Times initially reported that the US had thwarted an attempt to assassinate Pannun and cautioned India about potential complicity in the plot.

This revelation follows Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's earlier allegations linking Indian government agents to the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver.

India's Ministry of External Affairs responded to the report, noting that during recent discussions on India-US security cooperation, the US shared information regarding the nexus between organised criminals, gun-runners, and terrorists.

The report also indicates that the US, Canada, and other allies have exchanged details on similar incidents, raising concerns about India's actions.

However, the fate of the alleged plot remains uncertain, and the role of the US protest or potential FBI intervention is unclear.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the purported target, holds both US and Canadian citizenship and is currently facing legal actions in India.

The National Investigation Agency booked him and designated him as an "individual terrorist" in 2020.

Pannun is associated with Sikhs for Justice, an organisation banned by the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs in 2019 under the UAPA.