Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses murder plot charges in the US
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India has addressed allegations linking India to an assassination plot in America, stating that any evidence provided will be examined.
An Indian national was indicted in the US in November for plotting to kill a Sikh separatist in New York.
Modi, speaking publicly for the first time about the issue, reassured the Financial Times that the incident would not harm India-US relations.
"Our approach is guided by adherence to the rule of law," Modi said, signaling India's readiness to investigate the misconduct of any Indian citizen.
The intended victim, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, an advocate for the separatist Khalistan movement, holds US-Canadian citizenship.
US authorities assert that Nikhil Gupta, directed by an Indian official, offered a hitman $100,000 to carry out the assassination.
While India has labeled Pannun a terrorist, a claim he disputes as an activist, the saga follows accusations from Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau linking India to another Sikh activist's murder.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed in Canada, straining India-Canada relations, with India denying involvement and criticizing Canada for sheltering Khalistani extremists.
India also contends that Canada has not provided solid proof of these claims.
Tensions arise as Sikh separatists in Western nations continue to advocate for Khalistan, a movement that saw a violent peak in India during the 1980s but now persists mainly among the diaspora.
Despite these strains, Modi expressed confidence to the Financial Times in the enduring strength of India-US ties, dismissing the suggestion that isolated events should affect diplomatic relations.
He acknowledged concerns over "extremist groups operating abroad," indicating a broader concern for international security issues.
Modi, speaking publicly for the first time about the issue, reassured the Financial Times that the incident would not harm India-US relations.
"Our approach is guided by adherence to the rule of law," Modi said, signaling India's readiness to investigate the misconduct of any Indian citizen.
The intended victim, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, an advocate for the separatist Khalistan movement, holds US-Canadian citizenship.
US authorities assert that Nikhil Gupta, directed by an Indian official, offered a hitman $100,000 to carry out the assassination.
While India has labeled Pannun a terrorist, a claim he disputes as an activist, the saga follows accusations from Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau linking India to another Sikh activist's murder.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed in Canada, straining India-Canada relations, with India denying involvement and criticizing Canada for sheltering Khalistani extremists.
India also contends that Canada has not provided solid proof of these claims.
Tensions arise as Sikh separatists in Western nations continue to advocate for Khalistan, a movement that saw a violent peak in India during the 1980s but now persists mainly among the diaspora.
Despite these strains, Modi expressed confidence to the Financial Times in the enduring strength of India-US ties, dismissing the suggestion that isolated events should affect diplomatic relations.
He acknowledged concerns over "extremist groups operating abroad," indicating a broader concern for international security issues.
