US Officials Press India for Quick Resolution on Sikh Separatist Assassination Plot

U.S. officials are urging India to promptly conclude its investigation into an alleged plot involving its role in the attempted murder of Sikh activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil, a U.S. official disclosed.

This request underscores the escalating diplomatic strain between the two nations and emphasizes the demand for greater transparency in a case that has garnered significant global attention.

An Indian inquiry committee visited Washington last week to discuss its ongoing investigations after the U.S. Justice Department accused an Indian intelligence officer of orchestrating a plan to assassinate Pannun, a dual U.S.-Canada citizen and Sikh separatist, last year."

We've communicated very clearly that the U.S. government won't feel fully satisfied until meaningful accountability is achieved," said a U.S. official who requested anonymity. "We hope India will move as swiftly as possible through its investigative process."

A U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) handout image shows a poster for wanted former Indian intelligence officer Vikash Yadav who has been charged by the U.S. for allegedly directing a foiled plot to murder a Sikh separatist and Indian critic in New York City

An unsealed indictment last week revealed that the U.S. has charged Vikash Yadav, identified as a former officer in India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), with orchestrating the assassination plot. The indictment alleges that starting in May 2023, Yadav coordinated with others both in India and internationally to plan the attack on Pannun. 

These allegations have strained Washington's relationship with India, a country the Biden administration views as a critical ally in countering China's ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. 

"India remains an incredibly important and valuable strategic partner," the U.S. official noted. "However, we also need trust and the ability to address very difficult issues like this transparently." 

Since launching a formal investigation into the allegations in November 2023, India has largely refrained from public comment. 

Hardip Singh

At the same time, it is entangled in a separate diplomatic dispute with Canada regarding the June 2023 assassination of another Sikh leader. In September, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau indicated that his country’s intelligence agency was investigating credible claims suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government was involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh separatist.

The dispute revolves around the Sikh independence movement, often referred to as the Khalistan movement. India alleges that Canada is providing refuge to Khalistani activists.

India has refuted any connection to both incidents.