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.
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