US ambassador warns India against government-sponsored assassination plots crossing ‘red line’

The US ambassador to India has condemned any government’s involvement in assassination attempts on foreign soil as crossing “an unacceptable red line”, following allegations of New Delhi’s plot to kill a prominent Sikh separatist leader in New York.

Last year, Canada, the US, and other Western nations confronted India over apparent attempts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to target Sikh separatists living abroad. US prosecutors revealed that an Indian government official was involved in a plot to kill New York-based lawyer Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, which was thwarted by American security services.

India has denied the allegations but stated that it is investigating the claims. The country has also rejected accusations related to the murder of another Sikh separatist in Canada. Pannun has been labeled a terrorist by India for his advocacy of a separate Sikh state.

Ambassador Eric Garcetti emphasized that no government should be involved in attempting to assassinate another country’s citizen. He stressed the importance of respecting sovereignty and rights, stating that such actions are a violation of international norms.

Pannun, a dual citizen of Canada and the US, has been a vocal advocate for a separate Sikh state and has made threats against Indian institutions. Garcetti defended free speech but cautioned against arresting individuals for their words, highlighting the importance of upholding American values.

The US ambassador’s remarks have sparked a response from Indian Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who reiterated that India is conducting its own investigation into the allegations. The close ties between India and the US are being tested as both countries work together to address the alleged assassination plot.