The United States State Department has reiterated its call for a comprehensive investigation into the case involving designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Matthew Miller, the department's spokesperson, emphasized the necessity of a thorough inquiry by the Indian government.
"We have clearly communicated to the Government of India our expectation for a full investigation, and we await the findings of that investigation," Miller stated.
During the daily press briefing at the US State Department, when asked about any updates on India's internal investigation, spokesperson Mathew Miller declined to provide specifics, stating they are awaiting the results of the Indian inquiry.
"We won't comment on media reports. What I can say is that we have urged the Government of India to conduct a comprehensive investigation, and we eagerly await the outcome of that investigation. However, I don't have any new information to share," Miller was quoted as saying by ANI.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated terrorist by India, holds citizenship in the United States and Canada. He has been known to issue threats against India on multiple occasions.
In an earlier interview with ANI, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti acknowledged the collaboration between India and the United States in investigating the alleged assassination plot targeting Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
Garcetti stressed the importance of respecting a 'red line,' stating that no government employee should be involved in plotting the assassination of a foreign citizen.
"I believe that is absolutely crucial. For any of us, in principle, this must be a red line. No government or government official can be implicated in the alleged assassination of one of their own citizens. That's simply an unacceptable boundary," Garcetti remarked.
Regarding the ongoing investigation into the purported assassination plot, Garcetti highlighted the strength and closeness of the India-US relationship by pointing out the joint efforts to hold those responsible for criminal actions.
"Any country that has an active member of its government implicated in an attempt by another country to assassinate one of its citizens. That, I believe, is usually a red line for any nation. It's a fundamental matter of sovereignty. It's a fundamental matter of rights," he added.
In response to the comments made by the US envoy, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on April 1 affirmed that the case was under investigation based on the provided information.
"The US ambassador, representing his government's position, will express his views. My government's stance is that in this particular instance, we are examining certain information that has been provided to us," Jaishankar stated during a press conference in New Delhi.
According to the indictment from the US Justice Department, Indian national Nikhil Gupta, currently in custody, has been charged with hiring someone to murder Pannun. The Justice Department alleged that an Indian government employee, unnamed in the indictment, recruited Gupta to arrange the assassination, which was thwarted by US authorities.
The US envoy also commended India for establishing an inquiry commission to investigate the matter.
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