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The United States has confirmed that a former RAW officer, identified as 'CC1' in a Department of Justice indictment, is no longer an employee of the Indian government. This confirmation comes amidst a growing diplomatic row between India and Canada over the alleged involvement of Indian diplomats in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist leader. The US indictment alleges that 'CC1' was involved in a plot to kill another Khalistani leader, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, and that the alleged plot targeting Pannun may be linked to Nijjar's killing.
In a press briefing, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller revealed that a high-level Indian inquiry committee had a productive meeting with US officials. During this meeting, both sides shared updates on their respective investigations into the case. The Indian committee, whose composition remains undisclosed but is believed to include senior retired IPS officers, was established to review evidence shared by the US government regarding the involvement of Indian national Nikhil Gupta in the alleged plot to kill Pannun.
Miller stated that the Indian side informed them that 'CC1' is no longer employed by the Indian government. He further expressed the US's satisfaction with India's cooperation in the investigation, emphasizing that the process is ongoing and that both sides continue to share information. The US government's positive assessment of India's cooperation underscores the importance of maintaining a collaborative approach to addressing this complex situation. The fact that India sent a high-level inquiry committee to the US demonstrates their commitment to resolving the issue and addressing the concerns raised by the US government.
This latest development adds another layer of complexity to the already strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada. The Canadian government has accused Indian diplomats of being involved in Nijjar's assassination, prompting a diplomatic spat and the expulsion of diplomats from both countries. While India has denied any involvement in the killing, the ongoing investigation and the revelations about 'CC1' further raise concerns about the alleged role of Indian intelligence officials in these incidents. This case highlights the sensitive nature of cross-border investigations and the need for transparent and cooperative efforts between countries to address such complex issues.
The US government's confirmation that 'CC1' is no longer an Indian government employee, coupled with its positive assessment of India's cooperation, provides some assurance that both sides are committed to resolving this issue. However, the investigation is still ongoing, and the full extent of the alleged plot and the involvement of Indian officials remains to be determined. The potential connection between the plot against Pannun and Nijjar's assassination adds another layer of complexity to the case and requires further investigation. This complex situation underscores the importance of fostering open communication and collaboration between nations to effectively address security concerns and maintain stable diplomatic relations.