The White House has deemed the reported involvement of India in assassination plots as a \"serious matter.\"

The esteemed Washington Post reports on purported Indian intelligence involvement in a thwarted scheme to assassinate a US citizen and in the regrettable demise of a Sikh activist. In a statement reflecting the gravity of the situation, the White House emphasized its view of the purported involvement of the Indian intelligence service in two assassination schemes across Canada and the United States as a matter of utmost seriousness. As reported by The Washington Post, an officer within India's intelligence apparatus allegedly played a direct role in a thwarted plot to assassinate a prominent US citizen, known for his outspoken criticism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on American soil. Additionally, the same officer was implicated in the tragic shooting death of a Sikh activist in Canada last June. India's Ministry of External Affairs swiftly responded to The Washington Post's report, denouncing it as containing \"unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations\" on a matter of profound concern. The ministry stressed the ongoing investigation into the allegations and cautioned against speculative or irresponsible commentary. Echoing the gravity of the situation, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre underscored the administration's commitment to addressing the issue seriously and raising its concerns accordingly. Jean-Pierre emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and engagement on the matter. In November, US authorities had previously indicated the involvement of an Indian government official in orchestrating the attempted assassination of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual citizen of the United States and Canada, and a vocal advocate for Sikh separatism. India promptly pledged to investigate the allegations and undertake necessary follow-up measures based on the findings of the investigative panel established on November 18. Pannun, recognized as the general counsel of Sikhs for Justice, an organization designated by India as an \"unlawful association\" in 2019 due to its purported involvement in extremist activities, was further singled out by India in 2020 as an \"individual terrorist.\"

This complex issue presents a delicate diplomatic challenge for both India and the Biden administration in the United States as they seek to foster closer ties amid shared apprehensions regarding the escalating influence of China. The revelation of the US plot came amidst ongoing scrutiny over credible allegations linking Indian agents to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, another Sikh separatist, in a Vancouver suburb last June—a matter that Canada is actively investigating. India has vehemently denied any involvement in Nijjar's demise, firmly rejecting Ottawa's accusations.

City: Washington