India Rejects Report Alleging RAW Official's Role in Khalistani Assassination Plot

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly rejected a report by The Washington Post alleging that a Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) official, Vikram Yadav, was involved in a plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the report as "speculative and irresponsible", stating that there is an ongoing investigation by a high-level committee set up by the Indian government to look into security concerns shared by the US government.

The Washington Post report claimed that Yadav relayed instructions to a hired hit team to kill Pannun, and that the assassination plot was approved by then RAW chief Samant Goel. It also alleged that RAW officials were involved in the fatal shooting of another Khalistani terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Canada in June 2022. Pannun, who holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada, is wanted in India on terror charges.

Jaiswal said the report made "unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations " on a serious matter and that "speculative and irresponsible comments on the ongoing investigation are not helpful." The White House has acknowledged that India is taking the allegations seriously and that the Department of Justice is conducting a criminal investigation. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the US expects accountability from the Indian government based on the outcome of the investigation.

Why this matters: The alleged involvement of Indian intelligence officials in assassination plots targeting Khalistani separatists on foreign soil has raised serious concerns and strained diplomatic relations between India and the US. The outcome of the ongoing investigations could have significant implications for India's international reputation and its efforts to counter terrorism.

In November 2022, US federal prosecutors charged an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, with working with an Indian government employee in a foiled plot to kill Pannun. The Indian External Affairs Minister has stated that India's national security interests are involved in its investigation into the alleged involvement of a government official in the assassination plot. The US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, emphasized that no government employee of any country can be involved in an assassination plot of a foreign citizen, as it would be a "red line" for any country.

Key Takeaways

• India rejects Washington Post report alleging RAW official's involvement in Pannun assassination plot.
• India says report makes "unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations" on ongoing investigation.
• US acknowledges India is taking allegations seriously and DOJ is conducting criminal investigation.
• Alleged Indian intelligence involvement in assassination plots raises diplomatic tensions with US.
• US charges Indian national for foiled plot to kill Pannun, a Khalistani separatist leader.