The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has expressed its apprehension regarding a case filed in a US court against an Indian citizen named Nikhil Gupta. Gupta is accused of conspiring to assassinate Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York. The MEA emphasized that this case goes against the government policy, and in response, a high-level inquiry committee has been established to thoroughly examine the matter.
MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi conveyed that the US shared information with India about the interconnection between organized criminals, gunrunners, terrorists, and extremists during discussions on bilateral security cooperation. Taking these inputs seriously, India initiated a high-level inquiry committee to investigate all relevant aspects of the issue. Bagchi assured that appropriate follow-up actions would be taken based on the committee’s findings.
Bagchi also highlighted that the case against Gupta, who allegedly had links to an Indian official, is a cause for concern. The nexus between organized crime, trafficking, gunrunning, and international extremists poses a serious challenge for law enforcement agencies and organizations. The MEA stated that the case contradicts the government’s policy, and India’s response will be guided by the results of the inquiry committee.
Regarding Canada, Bagchi emphasized that the country has consistently provided space to anti-India extremists, which has been a contentious issue. He called upon Canada to fulfill its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Bagchi also expressed dissatisfaction with interference by Canadian diplomats in India’s internal affairs.
Nikhil Gupta, identified as an associate in the criminal complaint, is accused of conspiring to assassinate a US citizen in New York, who is a Sikh separatist leader advocating for the creation of Khalistan. Gupta, allegedly linked to a senior official in the Indian Intelligence Bureau, is charged with providing information, guidance, and financial assistance to co-conspirators, including a Canadian citizen, a Pakistani national, and two US citizens. Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic on June 30, 2023, based on the bilateral extradition treaty between the United States and the Czech Republic.
