Global Outlook

  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 institutiona...

  On Monday, the Principal Deputy National Security Advisor of the United States, Jon Finer, led a delegation to India, addressing the alleged plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil. The White House reported Mr. Finer's acknowledgment of New Delhi's formation of an investigative panel to probe the foiled plot. In a statement, the White House emphasized the importance of holding accountable anyone found responsible for the alleged lethal plotting in the United States. Last week, the US Justice Department accused an Indian government official of directing an unsuccessful plot to assassinate Pannun, the leader of banned Sikhs for Justice. Charges were announced against Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, for conspiracy to commit murder for hire in connection with the attempted murder. Gupta is alleged to have collaborated with an Indian government employee to recruit and pay an assassin for the plot. In response, India's Ministry of Externa...