New Delhi, April 30, 2024: Responding to queries regarding a recent article in the Washington Post, official spokesperson Randhir Jaswal underscored the Indian government’s firm stance on the matter. He stated, “The report in question makes unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations on a serious matter. There is an ongoing investigation by the high-level committee set up by the government of India to look into the security concerns shared by the US government on networks of organized criminals, terrorists, and others. Speculations and irresponsible comments on it are not helpful.”
The Washington Post’s article alleges the involvement of a Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) officer, Vikram Yadav, in a plot to target Sikh separatists in the United States. However, New Delhi has vehemently denied these claims, asserting that they are contrary to official policy.
The Washington Post’s lengthy report, based on interviews with unnamed sources from various countries, details Yadav’s alleged role in orchestrating a failed assassination plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a separatist of a Khalistani movement and resident of the US who is proclaimed as a “terrorist” in India. The newspaper suggests that Yadav facilitated communication between potential assassins and provided Pannun’s location details.
New Delhi’s rejection of these claims comes amidst previous accusations from the US, alleging Indian involvement in an attempted assassination of Pannun last year.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar on April 1 in an interaction with media persons refrained from disclosing specifics of the ongoing investigation but affirmed India’s commitment to safeguarding national security interests.
He stated, “It is something we are investigating as we believe our own national security interests are involved in that investigation. So, as and when we have something to say on the investigation, we would be very glad to speak about it. At this point, beyond the fact that there is an investigation going on, we have nothing more to say.”
As investigations continue, both India and the US face the challenge of addressing security threats while upholding diplomatic protocols and ensuring accountability.