Prime Minister Narendra Modi. REUTERS.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave his first response to the allegations by the USA of a plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, saying he’ll “look into” any proof, however assured {that a} “few incidents” wouldn’t derail India-US ties.
In an interview to a UK-based Monetary Instances newspapers, PM Modi stated: “If someone gives us any information, we would definitely look into it. If a citizen of ours has done anything good or bad, we are ready to look into it. Our commitment is to the rule of law.”
The remarks by Prime Minister Modi come weeks after the US authorities accused an Indian intelligence official of planning and directing a plot, from India, to allegedly kill Pannun in New York. The plot allegedly concerned one other Indian citizen and two people, a supply and a hitman, who turned out to be undercover US officers.
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‘Deeply concerned’
PM Modi additionally stated India was “deeply concerned about the activities of certain extremist groups based overseas. These elements, under the guise of freedom of expression, have engaged in intimidation and incited violence.”
PM Modi on India-US relations
PM Modi additionally denied studies claiming that the alleged assassination plot had precipitated friction in India-US relations and stated, “There is strong bipartisan support for the strengthening of this relationship, which is a clear indicator of a mature and stable partnership.”
“Security and counter-terrorism co-operation has been a key component of our partnership. I don’t think it is appropriate to link a few incidents with diplomatic relations between the two countries,” the Prime Minister additional stated.
“We need to accept the fact that we are living in the era of multilateralism. The world is interconnected as well as interdependent. This reality compels us to recognise that absolute agreement on all matters cannot be a prerequisite for collaboration,” PM Modi added.
Final month, the US Justice Division charged Nikhil Gupta, 52-year-old Indian nationwide, with involvement within the alleged plot to kill Pannu.
For the unversed, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is a chosen terrorist in India and heads the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) outfit.