PM Modi’s response to US allegations on Pannun plot: Willing to investigate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded to the U.S. claims of an Indian link to an alleged foiled assassination plot against designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, stating he will “look into” any evidence. In an interview with the UK-based news organisation, PM Modi said, “If someone gives us any information, we would definitely look into it. If a citizen of ours has done anything good or bad, we are ready to look into it. Our commitment is to the rule of law.”
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, declared a ‘designated individual terrorist’ by the Government of India in 2020, has been actively promoting the cause of Khalistan, challenging India’s sovereignty, integrity, and security, according to NIA investigations.
Expressing concerns over extremist activities, PM Modi said India was “deeply concerned about the activities of certain extremist groups based overseas,” adding that such elements, under the guise of freedom of expression, have engaged in intimidation and incited violence.
Addressing the diplomatic relations between the U.S. and India, PM Modi stated, “I don’t think it is appropriate to link a few incidents with diplomatic relations between the two countries.” He emphasized that security and counter-terrorism cooperation have been key components of the partnership.The U.S. Justice Department had claimed that an Indian government employee recruited a fellow Indian to hire a hitman to assassinate Pannun. PM Modi, during his recent visit to the U.S., discussed strengthening the bilateral relationship, asserting mature and stable partnership despite isolated incidents.The allegations were also linked to Canadian territory, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggesting India’s involvement in the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Ministry of External Affairs rejected the allegations as absurd and motivated, emphasizing that concerns have been communicated to partner countries regarding threats made by extremists against India or Indian diplomats.