Image credits - The Guardian
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded to allegations made by the United States regarding an Indian link to a foiled assassination plot against designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. This is the first time that the Prime Minister has publicly addressed these claims.
During an interview with The Financial Times, a UK-based daily, Modi expressed his view that it is not appropriate to connect a few incidents with the diplomatic relations between India and the U.S. He emphasized that these incidents would not have any impact on the strong ties between the two nations.
The allegations emerged after the U.S. charged an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta in connection with the foiled assassination plot targeting Pannun. In response to these allegations, the Prime Minister stated that he will thoroughly examine any evidence presented.
The close relationship between India and the United States is currently being tested as U.S. prosecutors have accused an Indian official of orchestrating an alleged assassination plot in New York City. During a press conference, President Biden described the relationship as one of the most significant in the world and highlighted its dynamic nature.
Despite publicly dismissing various global rankings that suggest a concerning decline, government officials from different ministries have been discreetly assigned to monitor India’s performance. Internal reports reveal that the Indian government has been working behind the scenes to uphold its reputation as the world’s largest democracy, following criticism from researchers regarding democratic regression under the nationalist leadership of Narendra Modi.
India promptly retaliated to Ottawa’s decision to expel an Indian diplomat following accusations of New Delhi’s involvement in the assassination of a Canadian Sikh leader on Canadian territory. In a reciprocal move, India expelled a Canadian diplomat in response.
The claims of an Indian connection to a purportedly thwarted assassination scheme targeting Indian designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun have caused diplomatic tensions between India and its global allies, namely the U.S. and Canada. The accusation by U.S. prosecutors regarding the involvement of an Indian official in the plot has strained the typically amicable relations between India and the U.S. Nevertheless, the partnership between the two nations remains vibrant and consequential, suggesting that these incidents may not have a significant impact on their long-term diplomatic ties. Conversely, the allegations have also impacted India’s relations with Canada, indicating a shift towards a more assertive Indian foreign policy.