US Deputy NSA Raises Pannun Case With Officials In India

US Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer has emphasized the need for accountability in the alleged plot to assassinate a Khalistani leader on American soil during discussions with Indian counterparts, as per a White House statement.

While in New Delhi to review the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), Finer raised the issue during meetings with Indian officials. The discussions also highlighted plans to enhance maritime security cooperation, reinforcing existing dialogue mechanisms like the India-Kenya Joint Defence Cooperation Committee established in 2016.

The White House readout did not specify the Indian officials involved but mentioned bilateral and regional consultations with Deputy National Security Advisor Vikram Misri, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra.

Acknowledging India establishment of a Committee of Enquiry to investigate the alleged plot, Finer stressed the importance of holding anyone responsible accountable, although specific details were not provided in the readout.

The intersessional review of the iCET was termed a "major milestone in the US-India partnership," characterized by growing strategic security and technology cooperation. The discussions also covered coordination in the Indo-Pacific, including the wider Indian Ocean region, as well as topics such as West Asia, attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, and the significance of safeguarding freedom of commercial navigation. Additionally, plans for a post-conflict Gaza and a pathway toward a two-state solution were on the agenda.

India has responded to the allegations by setting up a high-level inquiry committee to examine the conspiracy to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a senior leader of the outlawed Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), declared a terrorist by India. The indictment filed against Indian national Nikhil Gupta in a US federal court has raised concerns in New Delhi, prompting a commitment to take follow-up action based on the inquiry committee findings.