Pannun, a U.S.-Canadian citizen and prominent figure in the pro-Khalistan movement, advocates for an independent Sikh state in northern India
The reported plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on U.S. soil has sparked concerns over potential repercussions on India-U.S. relations. The U.S. government revealed its success in thwarting the alleged plan and issued a warning to India, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Pannun, a U.S.-Canadian citizen and prominent figure in the pro-Khalistan movement, advocates for an independent Sikh state in northern India.
White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson conveyed the seriousness of the issue, stating that it has been raised with India at the highest levels. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed hope that India would take these concerns seriously, following his government’s earlier assertion of “credible evidence” linking India to the killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
The incidents in Canada and the U.S. raise questions about India’s reliability as a strategic partner for Western nations, particularly in light of the perceived authoritarianism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government and its assertive foreign policy. The U.S. reportedly issued a diplomatic protest to India after Modi’s visit to Washington, and U.S. federal prosecutors have filed a sealed indictment against a suspect in connection with the plot.
Pannun, organizing a symbolic referendum on an independent Khalistan in San Francisco, is viewed by India as a threat to its sovereignty. While the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has not commented on the White House statement, reports indicate that Indian officials expressed surprise and concern during discussions on the matter.
The recent events cast a shadow on this narrative and could potentially lead to a reevaluation of the India-U.S. partnership
A contrast in India’s responses to the Canadian and U.S. announcements is evident, with India vehemently denying Canada’s allegations. This divergence may be attributed to the differing strategic significance of relations with the two countries. While India may weather a temporary strain in its ties with Canada, its relationship with the U.S. is considered crucial, given ongoing border disputes with China.
India seeks a closer strategic partnership with the U.S. to counterbalance China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. The U.S., in turn, views India as pivotal to its Indo-Pacific strategy and actively supports India’s economic and military growth. The great power rivalry between the U.S. and China aligns with India’s national interests, but the recent events have raised concerns about the stability of this alignment.
The Indian government’s consistent denial of extrajudicial killings as part of its foreign policy is contradicted by its alleged involvement in Nijjar’s assassination, the killing of a Sikh leader in Pakistan, and the foiled plot in the U.S. This pattern of behavior may prompt the U.S. to reassess its alliance with India, which has been touted as grounded in shared democratic values, especially in contrast to the authoritarian regime in China. The recent events cast a shadow on this narrative and could potentially lead to a reevaluation of the India-U.S. partnership.
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