Foiled plot heightens tensions in US-India relations

BAPPY RAHMAN

In a recent revelation, US authorities successfully thwarted a carefully orchestrated plan to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent Sikh separatist holding dual citizenship in the United States and Canada. This disclosure has captured not only global attention but has also triggered a diplomatic dispute between the US and India, as concerns regarding potential involvement by the Indian government come to light. The incident, initially reported by the Financial Times, adds layers of complexity to the already delicate relationship between the two nations.

Responding to the severity of the situation, the Biden administration issued a strong warning to India and elevated the matter to the highest diplomatic levels. White House spokesperson Adrienne Watson emphasized the seriousness of the issue, stating that the US government has conveyed its concerns to the Indian government. Watson revealed that Indian officials expressed surprise and concern, distancing themselves from any connection to such activities. The US has called for a thorough investigation by Indian authorities, expecting accountability for any individuals found responsible.

At the heart of this thwarted plot is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, associated with Sikhs for Justice, an organization labeled an ‘unlawful association’ by India in 2019 due to alleged involvement in extremist activities. Pannun, designated as an ‘individual terrorist’ by India in 2020, advocates for Khalistan, an independent Sikh homeland—a demand historically viewed by India as a security threat, particularly in light of violent insurgencies in the 1970s and 1980s.This incident follows the claim of Canada, just two months earlier, of ‘credible’ allegations linking Indian agents to the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in a Vancouver suburb in June. India promptly rejected these accusations. The present scenario poses a significant diplomatic challenge for the Biden administration, which has been actively cultivating strong ties with India, driven by shared concerns about the escalating influence of China in the region.

Sources suggest that the US protest in India occurred after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit in June, raising questions about the timing and its potential impact on the thwarted plot. However, the report does not clarify whether the protest influenced the abandonment of the plot or if it was foiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The timing is noteworthy, occurring shortly after President Joe Biden welcomed Prime Minister Modi, highlighting the intricate nature of diplomatic relations.

US President Biden, presently on vacation on the Massachusetts island of Nantucket for the US Thanksgiving holiday, remains engaged in the unfolding events. In addition to the diplomatic warning to India, US federal prosecutors have reportedly filed a sealed indictment against at least one suspect in a New York district court. The US Justice Department, when questioned about these developments, declined to comment, adding another layer of mystery and intrigue to the unfolding situation.

The case gains historical significance against the backdrop of the 1985 bombing of an Air India aircraft flying from Canada to India, an act attributed to Sikh militants. The bombing resulted in the tragic loss of 329 lives and has been a longstanding source of tension. Pannun’s recent actions, particularly his threat to Air India passengers in video messages shared on social media, add another layer of complexity to the historical context.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) of indiahas registered a case against Pannun, charging him with terrorism-related offenses and conspiracy, among others. According to reports, Pannun warned Air India passengers that their lives were in danger, echoing concerns reminiscent of the tragic 1985 incident. This development brings to the forefront the delicate balance between freedom of expression and potential threats to national security.

Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, responding to queries about the Financial Times report, acknowledged that the US had shared ‘some inputs’ with India. He clarified that these inputs pertained to the ‘nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, terrorists, and others’. Bagchi emphasized India’s serious consideration of such inputs, highlighting the potential implications for national security.

The complexity of the situation is further compounded by Pannun’s dual citizenship and the international dimension of the alleged plot. Pannun, in response to the allegations, insisted that his message was to “boycott Air India, not bomb.” He framed the situation as a challenge to the sovereignty of the United States, drawing parallels with the assassination of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil, which he claims was orchestrated by Indian agents.

Sikhs for Justice, the organization with which Pannun is associated, has been a contentious entity in the eyes of the Indian government. Labeled an ‘unlawful association’ in 2019, the group has faced allegations of engaging in extremist activities. Pannun’s designation as an ‘individual terrorist’ by India in 2020 further intensifies the geopolitical implications of the case.As the US and India navigate the intricacies of this evolving situation, questions linger about the nexus between organized crime, gun running, and terrorism. The potential involvement of Indian operatives raises concerns about the extent to which state actors may be implicated in activities against perceived threats to national security.

The decision of the US Justice Department to file a sealed indictment against at least one suspect suggests a commitment to pursuing legal avenues to address the alleged plot. However, withholding information adds an air of mystery, leaving room for speculation and further diplomatic maneuvering.

The unfolding events underscore the challenges faced by the Biden administration in balancing its pursuit of close relations with India against the imperative to address security concerns and uphold principles of justice. The timing, coinciding with President Biden’s Thanksgiving holiday, adds a layer of complexity to the administration’s response and management of the situation.

Thethwarted plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has set off a diplomatic storm between the United States and India. The intricacies of the situation, including historical tensions, geopolitical considerations, and the potential involvement of state actors, contribute to a complex narrative. As the international community watches closely, the resolution of this case will likely have far-reaching implications for US-India relations and the broader geopolitical landscape.

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Bappy Rahman is a development practitioner