In a statement on Tuesday, US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Richard Verma, affirmed America’s commitment to stay engaged with the Indian government regarding the alleged attempt to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil. Speaking at an event hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in Delhi, Verma acknowledged that concerns had been raised with the Indian government, and a committee of inquiry is actively investigating the matter.
Verma stated, “I know we raised our concerns with the Government of India. There is a committee of inquiry looking into the matter, and we will stay engaged with the government and look forward to their findings. And they’ve taken it very seriously, and we’re grateful for that.” This statement follows the unsealing of an indictment by the US Justice Department against an Indian national for their alleged involvement in the foiled plot to assassinate Pannun.
Earlier in November, the Justice Department claimed that an Indian government employee, identified as CC-1, recruited an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta to hire a hitman for the assassination attempt. Gupta is currently in custody in the Czech Republic and faces charges of murder-for-hire, carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years.
During the event, Verma also highlighted the strong ties between India and the US, emphasizing historical connections such as Mahatma Gandhi’s correspondence with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Martin Luther King’s inspiration from Gandhi’s writings. He noted the growth in defence partnerships, bilateral trade, and people-to-people ties between the two nations over the past decade.
In his remarks, Verma underscored the transformative impact of the relationship, stating, “It has not been perfect. But I say this with all humility. It has been transformative and impactful and has brought greater peace and stability to the Indo-Pacific region.”
While acknowledging the challenges and real threats faced globally, Verma stressed that security cooperation between the US and India would become increasingly vital in the years ahead. He highlighted the importance of building collective capabilities, sharing information, and enhancing maritime domain awareness to ensure that India continues to play a crucial role in providing net security across the Indo-Pacific region.
During his visit to Delhi, Richard Verma also held discussions with Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two nations. Goyal expressed delight over the meeting, emphasizing the commitment to exploring new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
