May 9th 2024.
Moscow: Russia has spoken out against the United States' allegations of Indian involvement in a murder plot against a Khalistani terrorist. The US has yet to provide any solid evidence to support their claims, causing Russia to accuse the US of interfering in India's internal affairs and ongoing elections.
Last November, US federal prosecutors charged Indian citizen Nikhil Gupta with working with an Indian government employee in the attempted assassination of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Pannun, who is wanted in India on terror charges, holds dual citizenship in the US and Canada and has been designated as a terrorist by the Indian government under the Unlawful Activities Act.
When asked to respond to a Washington Post report claiming that India is trying to emulate Russia and Saudi Arabia's policies, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that the US has not provided any substantial evidence of Indian involvement in the plot against Pannun. She emphasized that it is unacceptable to make speculations without evidence.
Zakharova also criticized the US for lacking understanding of India's national mentality and history, and for continuously making unfounded accusations about religious freedoms in the country. She described the US' interference as a "colonial period mentality" and accused the White House of trying to disrupt the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in India.
"The reason for this interference is to unbalance the internal political situation in India and complicate the upcoming parliamentary elections. This is a clear attempt at meddling in India's internal affairs," Zakharova stated, according to RT news.
She also commented on the Washington Post's use of the term "repressive regime" and suggested that it would be more fitting for the US government. "It is difficult to imagine a more repressive regime than Washington, both domestically and internationally," she said.
The Washington Post had named a Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) officer, based on unnamed sources, in connection with the alleged plot to kill Pannun on American soil. India has vehemently denied these claims, stating that the report is based on "unwarranted and unsubstantiated" allegations and that an investigation into the matter is still ongoing.
"The report in question makes unwarranted and unsubstantiated allegations," stated External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in New Delhi. He also mentioned that a high-level committee has been set up by the Indian government to investigate the security concerns raised by the US government about organized crime, terrorism, and other networks.
"The investigation is still ongoing and speculative and irresponsible comments about it are not helpful," Jaiswal added.
In conclusion, it is clear that Russia is standing by India and rejecting the US' claims of Indian involvement in the plot against Pannun. The lack of evidence provided by the US and their interference in India's internal affairs have been strongly condemned by the Russian government. India has also denied any involvement and continues to investigate the matter thoroughly.
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