In a significant development that could strain relations between the United States and India, a former Indian intelligence officer has been charged in the US for allegedly orchestrating an assassination plot against a prominent pro-Khalistani leader.
Vikash Yadav, a former officer in India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) spy service, has been accused of directing a foiled attempt to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a pro-Khalistani leader based in New York City. The indictment was unsealed on Thursday, marking the first time an Indian government official has been formally charged with involvement in an assassination plot on American soil.
The alleged murder-for-hire plot came to light last year when federal prosecutors in the US charged Nikhil Gupta, who was accused of acting on behalf of an “unidentified Indian government official” to orchestrate Pannun’s assassination. The fact that Pannun is an American citizen made the matter particularly sensitive for US authorities.
The US’s decision to charge Yadav comes after months of deliberation and apparent reluctance to jeopardize its relationship with India, a crucial geopolitical ally. The Washington Post reported that US officials had refrained from charging Yadav for 16 months since the assassination plot was uncovered.
The indictment alleges that Yadav directed Gupta to contact an individual whom Gupta believed to be a criminal associate, but who was in fact a confidential source working with US law enforcement. This undercover officer then introduced Gupta to a purported hitman, who was also an undercover agent.
According to court documents, Yadav agreed to a deal brokered by Gupta and paid $100,000 for Pannun’s assassination. The indictment states that on June 9, 2023, Yadav and Gupta arranged for a $15,000 advance payment to be delivered to the undercover officer in Manhattan, New York.
Yadav is currently in India, where he was arrested several months ago on charges unrelated to the alleged assassination attempt. The US is expected to seek his extradition.
The charges against Yadav come on the heels of a diplomatic row between India and Canada. Canada expelled six Indian diplomats in June 2023, accusing them of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, another pro-Khalistani leader, in British Columbia. India has denied any involvement in Nijjar’s death.
The indictment against Yadav has the potential to further escalate tensions between the US and India. While India has not yet responded to the charges, this development is likely to significantly impact the bilateral relationship.