The Indian government has labeled the recent US court summons related to Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun as “completely unwarranted.” The summons, issued by the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, involves the Government of India, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, former R&AW chief Samant Goel, R&AW agent Vikram Yadav, and Indian businessman Nikhil Gupta. It demands a response within 21 days.
In a news briefing this afternoon, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri criticized the legal action. He stated, “When these issues were first brought to our attention, we took action. There’s a high-level committee engaged (in this matter).” Misri emphasized that the case is “completely unwarranted” and highlighted Pannun’s background, noting that he is associated with the unlawful organization Sikhs for Justice. Pannun, who has been designated a terrorist by New Delhi since 2020, is known for his provocative speeches and threats against Indian leaders and institutions.
The summons follows reports from the Financial Times in November, which indicated that the US had thwarted a plot to kill Pannun. He holds dual citizenship in the US and Canada, and officials from the Joe Biden administration later confirmed these reports.
In response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed concern over the case, stating that it contradicts Indian government policy. Arindam Bagchi, former MEA spokesperson, conveyed that the situation was a matter of concern and contrary to government policy.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has indicated that India is actively investigating the matter. However, he assured that this development would not affect the “upward trajectory” of India-US relations. In an interview with PTI, Jaishankar said, “We are investigating it. But I do not think the fundamental course of the upward trajectory of India-US is impacted by this at all.”
US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has also assured that this issue will not affect the broader relationship between India and the United States.