Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. / File Photo

The US has consistently pressed India for updates on the investigation into the alleged foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a senior Joe Biden administration official stated on June.26. US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, who made the remarks during a media briefing, also emphasized the need for accountability in the case.

Campbell further mentioned that the US has raised the issue directly at the highest levels of the Indian government.

"We have had constructive dialogue with India on this topic and I would say that they have been responsive to our concerns," he said.

“We’ve made clear that we seek accountability from the Government of India and we have consistently asked for updates on the Indian committee of inquiry’s investigations. And I would just simply say that we raised this issue directly with Indian government at the most senior levels,” Campbell added.

Campbell was responding to a question regarding whether the 'murder-for-hire' plot targeting Pannun was discussed during the meetings he and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan held with their Indian counterparts.

Nikhil Gupta, an Indian man accused of plotting to kill American Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, pleaded not guilty on June.17 in a federal court in Manhattan.
In November, the US authorities alleged that an Indian government official had directed the plot in the attempted murder of Pannun, who is a US and Canadian citizen. Gupta is accused of being involved in that plot.

Last June, Gupta traveled to Prague from India and was arrested by Czech authorities. A Czech court last month rejected his petition to avoid being sent to the US. He was finally extradited to the US on June.14 for court proceedings.

US has “some concerns” over India-Russia military ties

The US has "some concerns" about India's engagement with Russia in military and technology domains, but at the same time, Washington has confidence and trust in New Delhi to advance their partnership in key areas, Campbell said.

"We have a full and frank dialogue between the US and India and we do discuss our mutual relationships with key countries and those include India's relationship with Russia," he said.
Campbell stated that the US is aiming to cultivate a more profound and robust technological relationship with India.

"We have been clear which areas are affected by the continuing relationship between India and Russia, militarily and technologically," he said. "I think we will take what steps we can to mitigate some of those engagements and we have expressed some concerns. But at the same time, we have confidence and trust in India and we're seeking to advance our partnership in technology in the context of those different ties," he added.

The senior US official addressed concerns about sharing sensitive technologies with India in light of New Delhi's close military and technology cooperation with Russia.

"I do want to underscore that the US and India are both great powers. We have many areas of alignment, but it is not surprising that there would be areas where we had perhaps different perspectives, views, historical ties," Campbell said.

Campbell emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership, highlighting the ability to exchange views on occasional disagreements respectfully and aiming to address and minimize differences where feasible.