PM Modi responds to assassination claims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised serious concerns about the activities of certain extremist groups operating outside India, stressing that these groups, under the guise of freedom of expression, indulge in intimidating behaviours and incite violence.

Responding to allegations of an Indian plot to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the US, the PM assured a comprehensive investigation into any evidence presented in the matter. In an interview with the Financial Times, the PM downplayed the potential diplomatic fallout from a recent US indictment involving an Indian official, highlighting that isolated incidents would not jeopardise the robust relationship between New Delhi and Washington.

Also read: Assassination attempt on Pannun: India plays down embarrassing situation

Pannun's Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) is considered a front for Khalistan separatists and is banned in India. The charges brought by the US are similar of those Canada filed against India regarding the murder of another Khalistani terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in June. New Delhi had rejected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's suspicions as absurd, particularly the idea that its agents were involved in the killing of Nijjar, a Canadian citizen whom New Delhi had labelled as a "terrorist".

More significantly, the PM emphasised that security and counter-terrorism cooperation have been crucial components of the partnership between India and the US, adding that it is not appropriate to link a few incidents with diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Also read: Senior US official visits India, discusses alleged plot to kill Sikh separatist

“If someone gives us any information, we would definitely look into it… if a citizen of ours has done anything good or bad, we are ready to look into it. Our commitment is to the rule of law,” the London-based business newspaper quoted the PM as saying.

Following the indictment by the US Justice Department in November, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said that this development is against government policy and is a “matter of concern”.

PM Modi was in Washington for a maiden state visit in June, and US President Joe Biden travelled to New Delhi for the G20 summit in September. Both the leaders also agreed this year to expand cooperation in various areas, including high-tech and defence.