‘We’re taking it very, very seriously’: The White House’s Response to Allegations of India’s Involvement in Assassination Plots

White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre addressed reporters on Monday, emphasizing the gravity of reported Indian intelligence involvement in two assassination plots across Canada and the United States. Jean-Pierre underscored the administration’s serious stance on the matter, stating, “This is a significant issue, and we are treating it with the utmost seriousness. We will continue to voice our concerns.”

Earlier the same day, The Washington Post detailed the alleged participation of an Indian intelligence officer in a thwarted assassination attempt targeting Khalistani leader Gurupatwant Singh Pannun, designated as a terrorist. The report also implicated the officer in the fatal shooting of another Khalistani figure, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Canada the previous year.

In response to the US media report, the Indian External Affairs Ministry rejected the claims on Tuesday, denouncing them as “unwarranted and unsubstantiated allegations on a serious matter” amid ongoing investigations in New Delhi. Foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the importance of refraining from speculative and irresponsible commentary.

The backdrop to these developments includes prior assertions by US authorities in November, implicating an Indian government official in orchestrating the attempted murder of Pannun, a Sikh separatist holding dual citizenship in the United States and Canada. India had responded at the time by expressing concern over these allegations and pledged a formal investigation, promising to undertake necessary actions based on the findings of an inquiry panel established on November 18th.

Gurupatwant Singh Pannun: Background and Allegations

Pannun, labeled a most wanted terrorist in India, serves as the general counsel of Sikhs for Justice, a group designated as an “unlawful association” by New Delhi in 2019 due to its involvement in extremist activities. Subsequently, in 2020, India categorized Pannun as an “individual terrorist”.

The situation presents a sensitive challenge for both India and the Biden administration in the United States as they navigate efforts to strengthen ties amidst shared concerns regarding China’s expanding influence. The revelation of the US plot follows Canada’s announcement, two months prior, of investigating credible allegations potentially linking Indian operatives to the June murder of Nijjar, who was fatally shot by “unknown assailants” in a Vancouver suburb. India vehemently denied Ottawa’s accusations.