The indictment of Indian origin Nikhil Gupta for alleged murder plot of Khalistani separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, an American citizen, has created some ripples in the diplomatic relations between the two countries, but top sources in the Indian government told News18 there is “absolutely no impact” on bilateral ties.
“We take Indo-US relations very seriously, and any allegations, information or indictment is a matter of serious concern. We will definitely look into the allegations made by the Americans and we will cooperate on everything. We will come in black and white. All our deals, strategic partnerships and investment will continue and we are working on major projects and corridors as announced during the G20 summit,” the sources told News18.
Gupta was arrested by the Czech Republic authorities on or about June 30 at the request of the US as he was travelling there from India. The US Department of Justice charged him with “his participation in a foiled plot to assassinate a US citizen of Indian origin in New York”.
Meanwhile, the intelligence sources in India told News18 that the US Justice Department and agencies work independently and their investigation will not impact any government’s decision till one is proven guilty.
“The indictment is weak. If this has happened, it would be serious. But we also want to see all evidence,” intelligence sources told News18.
“They stressed that US diplomats and their counterparts in India are in regular touch with each other. They have been sharing intelligence inputs about everything. This arrest (Nikhil Gupta’s) is meaningless because Americans are suddenly trying to connect this to the government,” sources added.
In the press release by the US Justice Department, an Indian government employee, who has not been named but referred to as CC-1, has been working with others, including Gupta, in India and other countries to assassinate an attorney and political activist (American citizen of Indian origin) on US soil. Gupta, therefore, has been described as an associate of CC-1, and was recruited by him in May, 2023 to “orchestrate the assassination”, the release said.
The intelligence agencies further pointed out that the US authorities’ response against Pannun and his alleged criminal activities have been lukewarm despite India providing them with direct and solid evidence against the terrorist. “They (US authorities) keep quite every day, whereas he is threatening the Indian Prime Minister, External Affairs Ministry, and National Security Advisor on a daily basis”.
“It is wrong to say he (Nikhil Gupta) is the one who was given the task to kill Pannun by the Indian agencies. The US is putting pressure on Czech Republic to extradite him and they will be successful, but they have no evidence against him and because he is not involved in the plot,” said sources.
Pannun, the founder of proscribed Sikhs for Justice outfit, has been designated “individual terrorist” under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had booked him last month for threatening passengers flying via Air India and the airlines itself for a global blockade and closure of operations from November 19.
The Indian government and agencies had to step up security at Ahmedabad, Amritsar and Indira Gandhi International Airport (in New Delhi) over his threat video released during the Cricket World Cup.
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