In a major development over the formation of a high-powered committee in India, US Ambassador Eric Garcetti expressed satisfaction over the recommendations of the committee regarding the alleged murder plot against Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The committee was formed after the United States raised concerns with New Delhi over the situation.
Garcetti termed the committee’s report as a “positive step,” underlining India’s commitment to accountability and systemic change. He said, “It’s great and positive step and it again shows that we not just navigate those values, we are able to talk to each other in difficult conversations.”
The Ambassador also said the report reflects accountability and changes in the system being pursued by India, adding, “I am satisfied so far, absolutely.” The US is responsive, he said, recalling that when the Indian consulate in San Francisco was attacked some time ago, the FBI fast-tracked the investigation.
Referring to the case of Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Garcetti said the communication between the two countries had improved, adding, “We are really hearing each other much more.”
Garcetti called outgoing US President Joe Biden “the most pro-Indian president we have in US history,” while referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “the most pro-American prime minister in Indian history.” He declared this rare synergy reflects the desires of the people in both countries for a robust bilateral relationship.
However, he conceded that there were differences, adding, “You cannot agree on everything. We agree on much more than we disagree.” He repeated once again that India is an “exception country,” underlining the exceptionality of the US-India relationship and the potential between the two countries.
The comments come a month after the Indian committee’s report, investigating the activities of organized criminal groups and terrorist organizations posing a threat to the security interests of both India and the US. This investigation was launched after the US accused allegations of an assassination plot on Pannun by Indian agents.
In a statement, the MHA said the committee had recommended legal action against one person whose past criminal linkages were established during this probe. MHA said, the high-powered committee was constituted in November 2023, in pursuance of information provided by the US authorities pertaining to various organized criminal activities that affected the security of both countries.
The committee did detailed investigations, followed up leads from the US, and got total cooperation from US authorities, including visits exchanged. They examined several officials across different agencies and reviewed pertinent documents. The statement called for speedy legal action against the identified individual, while calling for improvements in systems and procedures to enhance India’s response capabilities in similar matters.
