John Kirby reiterates importance of relationship with India while addressing seriousness with which the US is treating recently unsealed indictment by US Department of Justice against Indian national
Goemkarponn desk
Washington: Amidst the disclosure of an alleged thwarted plan to kill US-based Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby emphasised the ongoing efforts to enhance the strategic partnership between the US and India.
Speaking during a press briefing, John Kirby reiterated the importance of the relationship with India while addressing the seriousness with which the US is treating the recently unsealed indictment by the US Department of Justice against an Indian national.
Highlighting the significance of the US-India alliance, Kirby said, “India remains a strategic partner, and we are committed to further strengthening this crucial partnership.”
Referring to the US Justice Department’s indictment against an Indian national linked to an attempted murder plot in the US, Kirby stressed the gravity of the situation by stating, “We take these allegations and ongoing investigations very seriously.”
Kirby also acknowledged India’s commitment to investigating the matter seriously. He stated, “We are pleased to see India’s proactive efforts in investigating this incident.”
Addressing accountability, Kirby emphasised, “We have been unequivocal about the necessity to hold anyone responsible for such alleged crimes fully accountable.”
The indictment by the US Justice Department implicated an Indian national in an attempted plot to kill a US-based Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Allegedly, an Indian government employee identified as CC-1, not explicitly named in the indictment, purportedly recruited Nikhil Gupta, another Indian national, to arrange the assassination, which the US authorities intervened to prevent.
The Justice Department’s claims suggest Nikhil Gupta’s involvement in international narcotics and weapons trafficking, communicating with CC-1. The indictment accuses CC-1 of orchestrating the assassination plot from India.
On the other hand, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed concern about the case filed in a US court connecting an individual to an Indian official, asserting that it contradicts government policies. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi highlighted the seriousness of the nexus between organised crime, trafficking, arms trade, and international extremism. Bagchi mentioned the formation of a high-level committee to address these issues and pledged to abide by its findings.
