India Criticizes Washington Post Claim of Hit Team in US to Kill Khalistani Terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun

A report published on Sunday alleged that US intelligence agencies have assessed that the operation to kill Pannun was approved by Samant Goel, the former chief of India’s spy agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that “The report in question makes unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations on a serious matter.” He further emphasized an ongoing investigation by the high-level committee set up by the government of India to address the security concerns shared by the US government on networks of organized criminals, terrorists, and others.

Mr. Jaiswal also mentioned that “Speculative and irresponsible comments on it are not helpful.” India has recently implied that it will pursue terrorists even if they escape to other countries, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stating that “If they run away to Pakistan, we will enter Pakistan to kill them.” Mr. Singh also emphasized India’s stance on maintaining good relations with neighboring countries but not sparing those who show hostility and promote terrorist activities.

The US Justice Department indicted an Indian national in the alleged foiled assassination plot and alleged the involvement of an Indian government employee (named CC-1) in recruiting an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta to hire a hitman for the alleged assassination of the Sikh Separatist, which was foiled by US authorities. Canada also alleged Indian government agents’ involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. India has consistently highlighted Canada’s support of anti-India extremists.

The Ministry of External Affairs had previously stated the seriousness of the nexus between organized crime, trafficking, gun-running, and extremists at an international level and the need for law enforcement agencies and organizations to address this issue. They noted the formation of a high-level committee mandated to consider and address this matter based on its results.