Russia has vehemently refuted the allegations made by the United States concerning the alleged involvement of Indian officials in a conspiracy to assassinate Khalistani separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The Russian government maintains that Washington has failed to furnish any credible evidence or information to substantiate its claims.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova asserted that the US is acting with the intent to destabilize India’s internal political climate and impede its ongoing general elections. She accused Washington of exhibiting a blatant lack of understanding of India’s national psyche and history, particularly with regard to its religious freedoms. Zakharova emphasized that the US actions constitute an unacceptable interference in India’s internal affairs.
In a strongly worded statement, Zakharova decried the US for its unfounded accusations against other countries as well. She portrayed the US as a regime that disregards international and national norms, citing its repressive actions both domestically and internationally.
The US authorities had previously charged Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, with collaborating with an Indian government employee in the foiled plot to assassinate Pannun. Pannun, who holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada, is wanted in India on terrorism-related charges and has been designated as a terrorist under India’s anti-terror law.
Last month, The Washington Post published a report alleging that a Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) officer, Vikram Yadav, was involved in the assassination plot. According to the report, Yadav had hired a ‘hit team’ to carry out the operation, targeting Pannun as a ‘priority’ figure.
In response to the report, India established a high-level committee to investigate the allegations. The US has since stated that it is awaiting the results of the Indian investigation.
Earlier this month, India strongly condemned The Washington Post’s report, labeling it as ‘unsubstantiated’ and ‘unwarranted’. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that speculative and irresponsible comments on the issue are unhelpful and serve no constructive purpose.
