India slams US media report linking RAW officer to Pannun plot: ‘Irresponsible’

India on Tuesday strongly rejected a report in the Washington Post alleging that a former Indian intelligence officer plotted to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil.

The report claimed that Vikram Yadav, a former officer with India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), hired a hit team to target Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated terrorist by India who resides in the United States.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the report “unwarranted and unsubstantiated.” Jaiswal stated that there is an ongoing investigation by a high-level committee established by the Indian government to address security concerns raised by the US regarding criminal and terrorist networks.

“Speculative and irresponsible comments on it are not helpful,” he added.

This comes after tensions flared in November 2022 when the Financial Times reported that the US had thwarted a plot to kill Pannun and issued a warning to India over its alleged involvement.

A subsequent indictment filed in a Manhattan court named Indian national Nikhil Gupta as a conspirator who allegedly collaborated with an unnamed Indian official, referred to as “CC-1,” in the plot.

The Washington Post identified “CC-1” as Vikram Yadav.

India has consistently denied these accusations, calling them “contrary to government policy.” A high-level inquiry committee was formed in November 2023 to investigate the allegations.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said earlier this month that India’s national security interests are involved in its investigation into the alleged involvement of a government official in the assassination plot aimed at Pannun.

The Washington Post reported that the Biden administration has refrained from making charges against Vikram Yadav.

Meanwhile, the White House said that it expects the Indian government to take accountability based on the outcome of the investigation.

“This is a serious matter and we’re taking that very, very seriously. The Government of India has been very clear with us that they are taking this seriously and will investigate,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

“We expect accountability from the government based on that. But we are going to continue to raise our concerns. That’s not going to stop. We’re going to continue to raise our concerns directly, with the Indian government,” she added.