Washington Calls for Investigation into Assassination Plot First

Newsreel Asia Insight #118
Jan. 31, 2024

The United States government has reportedly delayed the delivery of 31 MQ-9A Sea Guardian and Sky Guardian drones to India, linking it to the requirement for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged conspiracy to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a New York-based Khalistan activist with dual U.S. and Canadian citizenship.

The halted delivery is part of a larger $3 billion deal, which includes 15 Sea Guardian drones for the Indian Navy and 16 Sky Guardian drones, divided equally between the Indian Air Force and Army, The Wire reported.

Additionally, the U.S. has also put on hold smaller Indian acquisitions, such as six Boeing P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft, intended to supplement the Indian Navy’s existing fleet of 12 P-8I Poseidon aircraft, according to the media outlet.

The internal approval for this procurement by the Indian Ministry of Defence was granted in June 2023, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Washington. This period also aligns with the escalation of the alleged plot to assassinate Pannun, involving an Indian security official identified as CC1 in a federal indictment revealed last November.

A source in Washington, close to U.S. policymaking but not authorised to speak to the media, was quoted as saying that the purchase is currently stalled in the U.S. Congress.

Indian-American lawmakers, in particular, have expressed deep concerns following the indictment of an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, for his alleged role in the plot. Gupta is currently detained in the Czech Republic, awaiting deportation to the U.S.

In December 2023, five U.S. Congress members of Indian origin, after receiving a classified briefing on the federal indictment, issued a joint statement emphasising the importance of a full investigation by India, according to The Wire. They stressed the need for accountability, including from Indian government officials, and assurances against recurrence of such incidents.

Gupta faces charges of murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, with each charge carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. He was arrested in the Czech Republic on June 30 at the request of the United States.

A Washington insider reported that India has committed to a full investigation of the Pannun affair, and the decision on the drone deal will depend on Capitol Hill’s judgement of India’s actions.

The Sea Guardian drones, with their advanced capabilities, are expected to significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s surveillance and response abilities in the Indian Ocean, particularly in safeguarding international trade routes.

In November 2023, U.S. federal prosecutors charged an unnamed Indian government employee with orchestrating a plot to assassinate Pannun, associated with the Sikhs for Justice group. The case, involving Gupta, is currently before U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero.

Gupta, allegedly working with an Indian government official, was arrested under the U.S.-Czech extradition treaty. He is accused of organising the assassination and has reportedly admitted to involvement in international narcotics and weapons trafficking.

The case has raised concerns about the potential impact on India’s international relations and its image as a democratic counterbalance in Asia. The Biden administration, while seeking to strengthen ties with India, faces the challenge of balancing strategic interests with its commitment to human rights and the rule of law.