New Delhi: US ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has said that while the US is satisfied with Indian investigation into the alleged plot to murder pro-Khalistan separatist Gurpawant Singh Pannun, it would only be satisfied when those responsible are held accountable.
Garcetti, while speaking to the Times of India, said that “We desire accountability. That’s what our prosecutors are focused on,” adding that assurances that it won’t happen in the future are not enough.
The US ambassador’s comments have come days after US authorities charged former RAW official Vikash Yadav with conspiring to kill Pannun. The US has also arrested and extradited a co-conspirator, Indian businessman Nikhil Gupta, from the Czech Republic.
On Wednesday, October 23, The US state department’s principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel too emphasised that the US will not be fully satisfied until there is meaningful accountability resulting from India’s probe.
Garcetti said the US will not compromise on criminal activity, regardless of whether it involves an enemy or a close friend. “We have said two things from the beginning. This sort of behaviour is unacceptable from any country to another country. Certainly, unacceptable to us as Americans. That’s a red line, coming from an enemy or a closest friend. That’s our first responsibility, no matter who they are or what they say, to draw a line that murder-for-hire is illegal, as it is in every country,” he said.
The ambassador did not comment on whether the US would pursue Yadav’s extradition, noting that extradition can only occur after his arrest. Yadav is wanted by the FBI in the US.
Garcetti also praised the work done so far by the Indian authorities, saying that US law enforcement authorities were pleased with the information shared during recent discussions with the Indian committee. However, he reiterated that accountability remains a key issue for them. “Our prosecutors have put forward evidence that merits criminal charges, and that evidence can and will be shared in a proper way with the Indian investigation,” Garcetti added.
When asked about the potential impact of the case on US-India relations, Garcetti said, “There’s too much at stake in our relationship for us not to get this right.”
While addressing concerns over the impunity enjoyed by Khalistan separatists in Canada and threats issued from US soil, Garcetti said, “I’m very proud of the work we are doing together in counterterrorism. We always tell our Indian friends to focus on crimes. And when we focus on crimes, as opposed to opinions, we are able to see progress. When an Indian consulate is attacked, we launch a criminal investigation. We take the safety and security of Indian diplomats very seriously. We take terrorist acts, not words but acts, incredibly seriously.”
Garcetti cited the extradition case built against Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana as an example of Indian and US authorities’ collaborative effort. “We have worked closely together and that can result in a victory against terrorism for both India and the US as friends. We will continue to take real threats seriously,’’ said Garcetti.
While he did not say when Rana’s extradition might occur, he noted that the case is progressing, with only one appeal remaining before the US Supreme Court. He said that the appeal does not guarantee any changes, as every court so far has upheld the work done by US and Indian authorities on the matter.
In response to questions about India’s recent diplomatic spat with Canada, Garcetti described both nations as close friends of the US and expressed hope for a resolution. “Justice is justice. That should be clear,” he said, adding that cooperation on criminal justice issues is essential, even in difficult moments.
