The US purported that it is satisfied with the Indian investigation into the alleged plot to kill Canadian nationals Khalistan Tiger Force founder Ranjit Singh Pannun. It appears to be the biggest setback for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. It is a testament to Modi’s diplomatic skills.
India released a statement confirming that the individual involved in the alleged case is no longer an employee of the government. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller acknowledged that the US was still in communication with India regarding the case. The Indian official, known as “CC-1,” has been accused of masterminding the plot to murder him.
“We are satisfied with the cooperation. It continues to be an ongoing process. We continue to work with them on that, but we do appreciate the cooperation, and we appreciate them updating us on their investigation as we update them on ours.”
It is believed to have targeted Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is based in the US. The DoJ charged CC-1 of having orchestrated the plot through another Indian national called Nikhil Gupta, who is an international smuggler. Gupta, on his part, little did he know that he was working with a US law enforcement informant, hence his arrest.
Biggest setback for Justin Trudeau as US puts its trust in India
The man Gupta had recruited turned out to be an informant for the US, and the plot ended. The press identified CC-1 as Vikram Yadav, allegedly from India’s RAW. A team from India went to the US and discussed the investigation with US officials. According to both sides, the meeting between Indian and US officials was fruitful.
Both countries are continuing with the investigations and sharing updates to each other. India has informed the US that CC-1 is no more an employee of the Indian Government. Reports indicate that the Indian Government has arrested CC-1. India constituted a committee to probe into the assassination conspiracy plot.
The US team shared with the Indian team the developments concerning their internal investigations in the meeting. India shared updates related to internal investigations in the case with the US team. This plot, as of now, seems to include killing Pannun, the leader, in the US. The case has strong diplomatic ramifications related to US-India and India-Canada relationships.
Trudeau used the allegations in another case, that of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, to bring India down. In that case, Canada has filed a complaint wherein she alleged that India was involved in Nijjar’s killing and Canada’s relations with India have hit rock bottom. On October 19, the Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau admitted that he had no “evidentiary proof” when he made the allegations against India.
While Canada continues pressing claims against India over the Pannun case, the US is satisfied with Indian investigation in the Pannun case.
Also, see: Canadian MP Chandra Arya Raises Concerns Over Safety of Hindus in Canada Amid Khalistani Extremism