Skip to main content

Sikh separatist murder plot: India is looking at potential institutional reforms, says US official

 

Sikh separatist murder plot: India is looking at potential institutional reforms, says US official

India is considering potential institutional reforms following allegations related to the thwarted plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States, stated US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M Campbell on Wednesday.

In November, the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York filed "murder-for-hire charges" against Indian national Nikhil Gupta, accusing him of involvement in the alleged assassination plot against Pannun. Allegations suggested Gupta was recruited by an individual purportedly linked to the Indian government.

India has denied any involvement and initiated a high-level investigation into the allegations last November.

During an online press briefing following his visit to India with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Campbell addressed questions on the matter. He acknowledged constructive dialogue between Washington DC and New Delhi on the issue, noting India’s contemplation of necessary institutional reforms in response to the allegations.

"We also believe that Indian colleagues are looking carefully at what potential institutional reforms might be necessary in the wake of some of these allegations and reports that you’ve described," Campbell stated.

The US official emphasized the importance of accountability from the Indian government, stating, "We have consistently asked for updates on the Indian committee of inquiry’s investigations." He confirmed that the issue had been raised at the highest levels between the two countries.

In a significant development, Nikhil Gupta was extradited from the Czech Republic to the US on June 14 of this year. Gupta had been arrested by Czech authorities in June 2023 upon arrival from India to Prague. He pleaded not guilty on June 17 at a Manhattan Federal Court in New York.

According to US prosecutors, Gupta allegedly paid $100,000 to an undercover federal agent posing as a hitman to carry out the assassination of Pannun.











Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

PM Modi Stresses Climate Finance and Technology at COP28 for Global South's Ambitions

 During the COP28 Presidency's session on Transforming Climate Finance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the crucial role of climate finance and technology in realizing the aspirations of countries in the Global South, including India. Despite their limited contribution to climate change, these nations bear immense consequences, and PM Modi highlighted their unwavering commitment to climate action, despite resource constraints. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi stated, "We all know that countries in the Global South, including India, have played a lesser role in climate change. But the impact of climate change on them is immense. Despite a lack of resources, these countries are committed to climate action." He expressed the expectation of Global South nations for robust support from developed countries to combat climate change, considering the natural and justified need for assistance. PM Modi welcomed the decision to operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund, adopte
Post a Comment
Read more

Bangladesh Military Expresses Discontent Over Chinese Weapons; Reports 'Sub-Standard' and Faulty Parts

  Bangladesh, a traditional buyer of Chinese military equipment, has raised grievances with Beijing regarding the delivery of defective components and technical malfunctions in its imported military hardware. This issue is not unique to Bangladesh, as other nations like Myanmar have also encountered problems with Chinese fighter jets, according to an ET report. Experts in the Chinese defense industry argue that Beijing lacks the expertise to manufacture highly sophisticated military hardware and is not yet considered a top-tier producer of modern defense equipment. They claim that much of China's weapon systems are based on outdated technology copied from the West. Developing countries often opt for Chinese weapons due to their lower cost compared to similar systems from Western countries. China sells arms through state-run export organizations like the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), NORINCO, and CVIC. Sources familiar with the matter told ET that the Bangladesh mil
Post a Comment
Read more

North Korea Celebrates 'New Era of a Space Power' after Satellite Launch

  In a significant development, North Korea recently celebrated what it termed a 'new era of a space power' following the successful launch of a satellite. The reclusive nation's space endeavors have long been a source of international concern and scrutiny, raising questions about its technological capabilities and intentions. This latest achievement has reignited debates and speculation about North Korea's space ambitions. The satellite launch, conducted by North Korea's space agency, comes amid a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and global attention on the Korean Peninsula. The state media hailed the event as a major milestone, highlighting the successful deployment of the satellite into orbit. However, it is important to note that the international community remains skeptical, with concerns over the dual-use nature of space technology that could potentially be applied to ballistic missile systems. North Korea's pursuit of space capabilities has been a conten
Post a Comment
Read more