By Trend News Line 2024-05-09 03:38:19.
Allegations Against India Dismissed by Russian Foreign Ministry
In response to the accusations made by the US regarding a foiled assassination plot against pro-Khalistan radical Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the Russian Foreign Ministry has refuted the claims. The Ministry stated that Washington has not provided any solid evidence implicating Indian citizens in the alleged plot.
Maria Zakharova, the official spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, expressed her skepticism during a briefing, highlighting the lack of concrete evidence in the case. She criticised the US for its failure to understand the national mentality and historical context of India’s development, accusing Washington of disrespecting India as a sovereign state.
Washington Post’s Allegations
Zakharova’s comments came after ‘The Washington Post’ published a report accusing India of attempting to carry out actions similar to those of Russia and Saudi Arabia against its adversaries. She dismissed the claims made by the US media outlet, suggesting that such accusations were unfounded and reflected a neocolonial mentality.
The Washington Post’s report alleged the involvement of an Indian official in a plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated terrorist with American and Canadian citizenship. However, the Indian government rejected these claims, emphasising that the matter was under investigation by a High-Level Committee.
US Justice Department’s Indictment
According to the US Justice Department, an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta was charged with orchestrating the foiled plot to kill Pannun. The indictment also mentioned a RAW official, Vikram Yadav, who allegedly directed Gupta to hire a hitman for the assassination. Gupta, currently in custody in the Czech Republic, is facing extradition to the US for trial.
The report further implicated the former RAW chief, Samant Goel, in approving the operation targeting Pannun. The US authorities thwarted the assassination attempt, leading to Gupta’s arrest and subsequent charges of murder-for-hire.
Indian Government’s Response
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs refuted the allegations made in the Washington Post report, labelling them as speculative and irresponsible. The Ministry emphasized that the ongoing investigation by the High-Level Committee was crucial in addressing the security concerns shared by the US government.
India’s stance on the matter remains firm, with the government highlighting the need for evidence-based claims and denouncing any unwarranted imputations. The case against Nikhil Gupta and the involvement of an Indian official are being closely monitored by Indian authorities, who have vowed to uphold the country’s integrity and sovereignty.
By shedding light on the complexities of the situation and the diplomatic implications at play, the developments surrounding the alleged assassination plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun continue to unfold, sparking international scrutiny and debate..
Russian govt rubbishes US allegations implicating India in Pannun case | External Affairs Defence Security News.