Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: India has dismissed as “completely unwarranted” a summons issued by a US court in response to a civil suit filed by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The summons, issued by the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, names the Government of India, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, former R&AW chief Samant Goel, and two others, demanding a response within 21 days.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing the media on Thursday, labelled the case as baseless and highlighted the questionable nature of the plaintiff, Pannun, who is linked to the banned organisation Sikhs for Justice. “This is a completely unwarranted case. Pannun’s antecedents are well-known, and he is associated with an unlawful organisation,” Misri said during the briefing.
Allegations in the Civil Suit
The civil suit, filed by Pannun, alleges that the Indian government, in collaboration with certain officials, plotted to assassinate him. Pannun, who holds dual citizenship in the US and Canada, is a known figure in the radical Khalistani movement, infamous for his incendiary speeches and threats against Indian leaders and institutions. India officially designated him a terrorist in 2020 due to his anti-India activities.
India’s Response to the Allegations
Foreign Secretary Misri reiterated that the case was without merit and that the Indian government had already taken action when the matter first came to its attention. “There is a high-level committee engaged in the matter,” he said, adding that India’s policy remains firm in addressing such concerns.
In a previous statement, the Ministry of External Affairs had emphasized that the allegations were “contrary to government policy,” and India has initiated a high-level investigation into the matter.
Plot to Kill Pannun Foiled
In November, UK newspaper Financial Times reported that the United States had thwarted a plot to assassinate Pannun. US officials later confirmed this to the Joe Biden administration, further raising concerns over potential threats against Pannun, who continues to operate from North America.
India’s Investigation and Bilateral Ties
While India has launched an investigation into the claims, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has clarified that this incident will not disrupt the growing India-US relations. In May, Jaishankar assured that the matter was being investigated and that the US had shared certain information with India in good faith.
However, he stressed that these developments would not impact the “upward trajectory” of the diplomatic ties between India and the United States. “We are investigating it, but I do not think the fundamental course of the upward trajectory of India-US relations is impacted by this at all,” Jaishankar told PTI.
