On Wednesday, it was officially confirmed that Christopher Wray, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), is scheduled to visit India in the coming week, sparking controversy surrounding allegations of a plot to assassinate the Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. This controversy arises amidst ongoing accusations by the US administration against Indian agency officials and nationals.
A look at India – US Relations
Examining India-US Relations, Ambassador Eric Garcetti, speaking during a panel discussion at the Global Technology Summit in New Delhi, highlighted the significance of high-level visits. He mentioned that India was the first country visited by Vice President Kamala Harris outside the US, emphasizing multiple visits by top US officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, underlining the depth of bilateral engagements.
Aim behind the FBI chief visit to India.
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The primary objective behind Director Wray’s visit to India is to enhance cooperation between the two countries on a spectrum of legal issues. This visit follows the recent presence of Jonathan Finer, the Principal Deputy of the US National Security Advisor, in Delhi. During Finer’s meeting with India’s Deputy National Security Advisor Vikram Misri, discussions revolved around the alleged assassination plot. The White House issued a statement acknowledging India’s establishment of a Committee of Inquiry to investigate the conspiracy and emphasizing the importance of holding those responsible accountable.
Controversy for killing Pannun
The controversy centers on the recent indictment of Nikhil Gupta in the US, accusing him of conspiring to commit murder-for-hire and murder-for-rent in a plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York City. Court documents claim collusion between unnamed Indian authorities and Gupta in this plot. In response, New Delhi has formed a high-level Special Inquiry Committee to investigate the matter.
Addressing the situation, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the issue had been raised at the highest levels of the US government, with Secretary of State Blinken discussing it directly with his Indian counterpart. Miller emphasized the seriousness with which the US views the matter, awaiting the results of the Indian investigation. He also urged India to cooperate with Canada in the case of the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Conclusion
In conclusion, amidst the controversy surrounding the alleged plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the upcoming visit of FBI Director Christopher Wray to India aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation on various legal issues, underscoring the complexity and importance of India-US relations.