Indian-American lawmakers express concern over Indo-USA ties to be in danger

In a joint statement issued on Friday, five Indian-American lawmakers, including Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Shri Thanedar, expressed deep concerns over the recent indictment of Indian national Nikhil Gupta. Gupta is accused of orchestrating a foiled plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil.

The lawmakers emphasized the gravity of the charges and warned that the incident could potentially inflict "significant damage" on the diplomatic ties between India and the United States if not appropriately addressed. The statement followed a classified briefing by the Biden administration regarding the Department of Justice's indictment of Gupta.

While acknowledging the positive impact of the U.S.-India partnership, the representatives stressed the need for a thorough investigation by India. They urged the Indian government to hold those responsible, including any implicated government officials, accountable for their actions. The lawmakers emphasized the importance of assurances that such incidents would not recur to safeguard the robust partnership between the two nations.

The statement also commended the Indian government's response in establishing a high-level committee to investigate the failed assassination attempt on Pannun, an American citizen. The lawmakers underscored that the safety and well-being of their constituents were their top priorities.

Nikhil Gupta was charged on November 29 by U.S. federal prosecutors, who allege that he agreed to pay $100,000 to an assassin for the murder, with an initial payment of $15,000. However, the individual contacted by Gupta turned out to be a confidential source cooperating with U.S. law enforcement. Gupta was subsequently arrested in the Czech Republic on June 30 at the request of U.S. authorities.

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