The US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, has issued a strong statement demanding accountability from India in the alleged plot to assassinate Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil. This statement comes after the US Department of Justice (DoJ) accused Vikash Yadav, an Indian government official, of directing the assassination attempt. The DoJ alleges that Yadav, acting as an officer of the intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), enlisted the help of Nikhil Gupta, a drugs and arms smuggler, to carry out the killing.
Garcetti, in an interview with The Times of India, made it clear that the US will not tolerate such actions, regardless of the perpetrator’s nationality. “There’s no way we can compromise criminal activity and the fundamental values that murder-for-hire is illegal and that crossing borders for international murder plots is against the law,” Garcetti stated. He further emphasized that protecting the rights of its citizens, including the right to life, is a paramount responsibility for any nation.
The DoJ alleges that Gupta, following Yadav’s instructions, recruited another individual who turned out to be an informant for a US law enforcement agency. This led to Gupta’s arrest, and he currently awaits trial in US custody. The DoJ has also formally charged Yadav and issued a warrant for his arrest, labeling him a wanted person.
Following the Biden administration’s notification to India about the case, the Narendra Modi government formed a committee to investigate the matter. While Garcetti acknowledges the Indian government’s cooperation so far, he insists that “people in Washington will only be satisfied when accountability is achieved”.
Garcetti emphasized the gravity of the situation: “Our prosecutors have put forward evidence that merits criminal charges and that evidence can and will be shared in a proper way with the Indian investigation. And I’d expect that the Indian system, just like the American system, knows that murder-for-hire plots are illegal and will hold people accountable.” He further added, “Without accountability, justice won’t be served.”
The Indian government has taken initial steps by dismissing Yadav from service. However, the Biden administration has faced criticism for not taking action against Khalistani terrorists and activists operating within the US who have issued threats and even engaged in violence against Indian diplomatic facilities. Garcetti defended the US stance, stating that their doctrine prioritizes actions over words, and that they have taken action whenever actual threats or violence occurred.
Garcetti highlighted the US commitment to combating terrorism, citing the case of Tahawwur Rana, an associate of David Coleman Headly linked to the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks. He praised the close collaboration between the US and India in that case, emphasizing that this partnership has led to victories against terrorism for both countries.
The US Ambassador’s strong stance underlines the seriousness of the situation and highlights the need for close cooperation between the US and India to address these issues. The case, however, raises broader questions about the role of Khalistani extremism in the US and the challenges faced by both nations in combating transnational terrorism.