'We take very seriously actions that are...,' says US envoy Eric Garcetti on threats against Indian diplomats

Garcetti also commented on the protests regarding the Gaza War on US campuses, acknowledging that democracies can be challenging, particularly when there are disagreements.

The US views threats against Indian diplomats seriously, according to US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti.

In an interview with CNN-News18, the US ambassador said, "The seriousness with which we take any threats against Indian diplomats (and) the work that we’re doing… makes sure that people are held accountable for any criminal acts that happened in the United States".

On attacks on the Indian diaspora & diplomatic community in the US

Khalistani separatists launched an attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco last year. Additionally, they have targeted members of the Indian diplomatic community and individuals belonging to the Indian diaspora on multiple occasions.

He stated, “Our law enforcement has never worked more closely together. We take very seriously any threats or acts that are criminal against either Indian diplomats or Indian diplomatic facilities".

"....I can assure you that we have gone very deep in coordinating that investigation and holding people accountable," further added the US ambassador.

On US-India coordination in Pannun murder case

Garcetti also highlighted the coordination between agencies of both nations, stating that India and the US are effectively managing differences arising from the investigation into the alleged plot to murder Khalistani separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. US officials have claimed that Indian officials were involved in orchestrating the plot, and efforts are underway to address these discrepancies.

Commenting on the issue, Garcetti noted, “We are managing something, that for us, was an important line that cannot be crossed. I think both the United States and India are managing differences by doing that in a very mature, very thorough way that also adheres to our principles and our values".

India has refuted the claims made by US media regarding the involvement of Indian officials and has established a high-level committee to investigate the allegations put forth by US officials.

On the West's reaction to India buying Russian Oil

Garcetti addressed the differences that emerged between the West and India when India opted to purchase Russian oil amidst efforts by the West, including the US, to steer the world away from Russian energy resources, especially during the early stages of the conflict in Ukraine.

Further commenting on the issue, Garcetti noted, "I’ve heard commentators say that this has been the consistent policy of the US government with India and all nations that this oil can be purchased so that we can keep the price of oil affordable for all of our economies.

He also said, "It should be able to reduce the profits for Russia which we have successfully been able to do, and thanks to India and other nations for that".

On pro-Palestine protests in US universities

Garcetti also commented on the protests regarding the Gaza War on US campuses, acknowledging that democracies can be challenging, particularly when there are disagreements.

"Democracies are never easy, especially when we disagree with each other. We have strong opinions, but we believe very strongly in the right of everybody to disagree with one another and to do that peacefully," noted the US envoy.