Visit of FBI Director Amidst Allegations of Failed Assassination in India
Image Source: The Times of India
The Director of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Mr. Christopher A. Wray, is expected to visit India next week. His visit comes against the backdrop of the US Department of Justice alleging the involvement of an Indian government official in the failed assassination plot against Khalistani extremist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
Wray’s tour to India is the latest in a string of visits by many senior American officials over the past few months. There is a high probability that this issue will be discussed between the FBI Director and Indian Officials during his visit, as has been the case during previous calls by US officials.
The US has raised this issue on various occasions, including by President Joe Biden during his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi; US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken with India’s Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar, and the latest being US Deputy NSA Jonathan Fisher with his Indian counterparts during his visit last week.
The US has alleged that an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, was hired by an ‘unnamed’ Indian security and intelligence official referred to as CC-1, to eliminate GS Pannun, a member of the banned extremist organization Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) in New York, who is also a US citizen. In response to these allegations, the Indian government has announced the constitution of a high-level Enquiry Committee to investigate and sought a report on this matter.
Similar accusations have been levied on India from Canada regarding the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, by Indian Government officials, in British Columbia on June 18. However, India’s stand towards the US on a similar issue is in stark contrast to its response to allegations by the Canadian government. India has altogether dismissed Canada’s allegations as ‘Absurd’ and ‘Motivated,’ and has instead accused Canada of harboring separatists and terrorists.
The incident has resulted in continued strained bilateral relations between India and Canada, with relations reaching an unprecedented low. On the other hand, India’s dealing with the US on the accusations of killing a US citizen has been of extreme caution. This could be attributed to the growing strategic relationship between the two countries and the understanding that both countries would need each other on their side in the Indo-Pacific.
Going forward, the onus is on India to navigate the US’ accusation carefully to ensure that its relations with its strategic partner and close friend, the US, remain stable and continue to flourish in the long run. At the same time, it will be important for the US as well to ensure that any alleged involvement of India is substantiated by proofs to avoid any low in Indo-US bilateral relations.
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- Anushka Pundir is a driven student currently pursuing her Masters in Business Administration (F&A) at Amity University. Anushka embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science (Hons) from Delhi University, a testament to her diverse interests. Following her undergraduate studies, she dedicated herself to the rigorous preparation for UPSC and other government exams, showcasing her commitment to public service.
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