India takes US inputs seriously, matter being examined: MEA on reported foiled plot to kill Pannun

In response to media queries on reports of discussions between New Delhi and Washington on security matters, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi asserted that India takes such inputs seriously “since it impinges on our own national security interests as well.”

“Issues in the context of US inputs are already being examined by relevant departments,” he added.

Citing multiple sources, the UK-based daily Financial Times had reported that the US had “foiled a conspiracy to assassinate” Pannun on its soil and also “issued a warning to India’s government over concerns it was involved in the plot.”

The report comes two months after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that Canadian security agencies were probing “credible allegations” about a potential link between Indian government agents and the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver in June.

According to the report, the US, Canada and allies shared details – the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada are part of the intelligence-sharing network “Five Eyes” – and the Nijjar killing and the Pannun assassination plot sparked concerns “about a possible pattern of behaviour” on Delhi’s part.