New Delhi: US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti Last week expressed satisfaction with the accountability of the Biden administration concerning allegations that Indian officials were involved in a plot to kill a Khalistani separatist in America.
At an event organized by the Council on Foreign Relations, Garcetti emphasized that responsibility was necessary for maintaining U.S.-India relations and also pointed out that this incident could be their first major test.
“Now, I’m talking about a relationship which would probably have its ups and downs; but that is probably what would come between these two. So far, frankly speaking, I think we are happy with the responsibilities we took over this request because this is one of the red lines for America and our citizens,” he said.
Garcetti mentioned ongoing criminal cases and indictments as well as demanded punishment for any state actors involved. He admitted that there has been an inquiry commission set up by India and it hopes information shall be availed as we deal with criminal cases related to dispensation of justice in USA.
“So, India has formed a commission of inquiry through which we expect consequences and sharing of information. As we continue to deliberate on issues pertaining to criminal cases touching on justice administration here in USA..This is by far one of my most difficult investigations as ambassador. However, things are fine with them We have done some part but still have many steps ahead.
The case centers around Pannun who is an Indian designated terrorist having dual citizenships from US and Canada.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice indictment documents, an unidentified government official approached Nikhil Gupta asking him to hire someone who might help him incite violence against innocent people using Russian passports before he was arrested by police from across America. Nevertheless both Russia and India doubted Washington’s presented evidence requesting India provide irrefutable proofs about its involvement into the scheme.
However, the Ministry of External Affairs denied any involvement in such governmental assassination attempt dismissing it as baseless and speculative. The official spokesperson for the MEA called it a “serious matter” under investigation and replied that the accusations contained in these US media reports were “baseless” and “speculative”.
