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The international spotlight has fallen on India's relationship with the US and Canada following the arrest of a suspect named 'CC1' in a failed assassination attempt on Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a pro-Khalistani activist. India has officially informed the US about the arrest, adding to a complex web of events that have strained diplomatic ties between the three nations.
The assassination plot against Pannun, who is designated as a terrorist by India, was exposed by the US Department of Justice in an indictment. 'CC1', later identified as Nikhil Gupta, was accused of orchestrating the plot alongside others associated with the Indian government. Gupta, extradited from the Czech Republic, pleaded not guilty to the charges. These events come amidst escalating tensions between India and Canada following allegations that Indian diplomats were involved in the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, another Khalistani figure. Canada's accusation has sparked a diplomatic row, with India vehemently denying any involvement and recalling its top diplomat from Ottawa.
The US, caught in the middle, has maintained that the timing of these developments is coincidental. However, the statement from the US State Department indicating a visit by an Indian government committee to Washington for discussions on the Pannun assassination plot suggests a concerted effort to address these issues. India, further emphasizing its position, has clarified to the US that 'CC1' is no longer a government official, a statement that aims to distance the government from the alleged plot. While the US official claims the events are unrelated, the convergence of these incidents, including the arrest of 'CC1' and the accusations against Indian diplomats in Canada, raise questions about the extent of Indian government involvement in the alleged plots and the implications for its relationship with the US and Canada. The coming weeks will likely see continued scrutiny and diplomatic maneuvering as these nations navigate the fallout of these accusations and attempts to resolve the ongoing tensions.
Source: Pannun Assassination Plot: India Tells US ‘CC1’ Arrested, 'No Longer Government Official'