India sends inquiry committee to US in response to Pannun assassination allegations | External Affairs Defense Security News

Purpose of the commission of inquiry

The commission’s primary goal is to examine allegations against Nikhil Gupta, an Indian citizen charged by U.S. prosecutors for his involvement in the assassination plot. Gupta is accused of working with an unnamed Indian official to offer $100,000 to a hitman to kill Pannun, who lives in New York. The US State Department said India was investigating the involvement of organized criminals, including the individual named in the Justice Department’s indictment.

The case of Nikhil Gupta

Nikhil Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic in June 2023 at the request of the US government. Following his arrest, he was extradited to the United States on June 14, 2023. According to his indictment, Gupta conspired with an Indian government official in an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate Pannun, a prominent Sikh leader for Justice (SFJ), a group designated as a terrorist organization by India.

Ongoing investigations

The commission of inquiry is expected to meet with US authorities to review the current status of the investigation and exchange all relevant findings of their investigation. The US State Department said India was continuing its investigation into the former official’s ties and would determine any further action based on the findings.

Although India has denied the involvement of a government official, the formation of the commission of inquiry reflects its intention to maintain transparency and cooperation in the face of the seriousness of the allegations.

In November last year, India formed a high-level commission of inquiry to address security concerns raised by the US government. The Ministry of External Affairs said India treats these issues seriously as they impact national security, and relevant departments have already started reviewing the situation.

India withdraws its high commissioner to Canada

On Monday, India recalled its high commissioner to Ottawa, as well as several other diplomats and officials designated as “persons of interest” by Canada as part of its investigation. Following this, India expelled six Canadian diplomats as part of its response and asked them to leave India by October 19.

The Foreign Ministry summoned the Canadian envoy on Monday, a day after receiving a diplomatic communication from Canada.

First publication: October 15, 2024 | 10:15 a.m. STI