It May Strain India’s Global Standing and Self-Image

Newsreel Asia Insight #59
Nov. 30, 2023

U.S. federal prosecutors have brought a case to the New York courts, charging an unnamed Indian government employee with masterminding a plot to assassinate an American citizen, who is a member of a pro-Khalistan group officially banned in India, according to a press release by the U.S. Justice Department.

The incident involves an Indian national allegedly hired by an official within the Indian government to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a lawyer and American citizen associated with Sikhs for Justice. The Sikh separatist movement seeks the creation of Khalistan, a sovereign state for Sikhs.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, along with other high-ranking officials from the Justice Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), announced charges against Indian national Nikhil Gupta for his role in the thwarted plot to assassinate Pannun in New York City, as per the press release, which says the case is currently before U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero.

Gupta, an associate of an “Indian government employee” and identified in the case as “CC-1,” was arrested in the Czech Republic on June 30, under the U.S.-Czech extradition treaty.

The press release says Gupta, 52, was recruited to organise the assassination, and has admitted to involvement in international narcotics and weapons trafficking. He believed he was hiring a hitman for the murder, but the individual was actually a confidential source working with the DEA, it adds.

The plot involved a payment of $100,000 for the murder, with an advance of $15,000 delivered in Manhattan, according to the press release. Gupta and CC-1 provided detailed information about the victim to the undercover agent, including the victim’s home address and daily routine, it continues, and adds that the urgency of the plot increased following the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader and associate of the intended victim, in Canada.

According to U.S. officials familiar with the situation, neither Pannun nor Nijjar had engaged in any terrorist activities, The New York Times said, adding that Pannun was advocating for an independent state using democratic processes.

For decades, India has positioned itself as a democratic counterbalance in Asia, a role that has become increasingly significant amid the geopolitical shifts involving China and Russia. However, the allegations may challenge this narrative in the international community, potentially jeopardising India’s relations with key allies, including the United States and Canada.

The Biden administration, actively seeking to strengthen ties with India, now finds itself navigating a delicate diplomatic balance. On one hand, there are significant strategic interests at play, but on the other, the U.S. has consistently projected a commitment to human rights and the rule of law globally.

These developments are disconcerting particularly for the Indian diaspora. The notion that the Indian government might reach beyond its borders to silence dissent not only sows fear among expatriates but also potentially subjects them to suspicion in their adopted countries. This undermines the sense of security and belonging that many Indian expatriates have painstakingly built over years.

This case holds deep implications for India’s self-image and ethical framework as well. Further, it could potentially intensify the polarisation already present in India’s internal political landscape, challenging the nation’s perception of democratic values.

The economic implications cannot be ignored either. India, aspiring to be a global economic powerhouse, relies heavily on its international image to attract investment and forge trade relationships. Incidents like these can create an air of unpredictability, deterring potential investors and partners.

The way India handles this crisis will not only affect its international relations but also reflect on its national character.