'Investigating As Our Own National Security Interests Involved': EAM Jaishankar On Alleged Pannun Assassination Plot In US

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar responded to US Ambassador Eric Garcetti's remarks regarding the alleged assassination attempt on Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, stating that India is investigating the matter based on information provided by the US.

Jaishankar emphasised that India's security interests are at stake in the investigation as per a report by Hindustan Times.

He stated, "It is something we are investigating as we believe our own national security interests are involved in that investigation."

He further mentioned that the Indian government will provide updates on the investigation when there is significant progress to report.

However, currently, there is no additional information beyond the fact that an investigation is ongoing.

Last year, an Indian national was charged by American authorities for allegedly conspiring with an Indian government employee to pay an assassin $100,000 to kill Pannun, a pro-Khalistan activist based in New York.

In a recent interview, US Ambassador Garcetti stated that the two countries are collaborating on the investigation. He emphasised that certain lines, such as making threats of violence, should not be crossed between nations.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated terrorist by India, holds citizenship in the US and Canada.

Garcetti emphasised that no government employee should be involved in the alleged assassination plot of a foreign citizen, calling it an "unacceptable red line."

Pannun has a history of making terrorist threats against India, including statements last November about Air India's operations and threats in December against the Indian Parliament.