US Court Summons for NSA Ajit Doval: In a significant diplomatic move, the Indian government has firmly rejected summons issued by a New York court for National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Samant Goel, and others, related to an alleged murder plot against Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. This development comes just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-day visit to the United States from September 21 to 23, 2024.
US Court Summons for NSA Ajit Doval, Context of the Summons
The summons was part of a civil lawsuit filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, where Pannun, who is a US citizen, has been designated a terrorist by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) since 2020. He leads the group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which has been banned in India since 2019 for promoting the separatist agenda of Khalistan.
Vikram Misri, India’s Foreign Secretary, addressed the media in New Delhi, stating that the imputations made against Indian officials were “completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated.” He emphasized that the allegations would not alter India’s views on the broader situation and highlighted Pannun’s background as a factor in assessing the case.
Implications of the US Lawsuit
The US court has requested that the Indian government respond to the summons within 21 days. The lawsuit claims that Nikhil Gupta, a jailed Indian businessman, hired a hitman to assassinate Pannun. Gupta, who pleaded not guilty to the charges during a court appearance in June, had been extradited to the US from the Czech Republic where he was initially arrested.
Misri stated, “I would also underline the fact that the organization so-called that this person represents is an unlawful organization. It has been declared as such under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act of 1967 due to its involvement in anti-national and subversive activities.”
Ongoing Investigations
In response to the allegations surrounding the assassination plot, India formed a high-level committee to investigate the purported involvement of Indian officials. This move followed an indictment by US federal prosecutors against Gupta, raising concerns about the actions of Indian state actors.
When asked about the findings of the inquiry, Misri confirmed that relevant agencies were engaged and taking action, reinforcing India’s commitment to address the issue collaboratively.
US-India Relations
High-ranking officials from the US State Department have made multiple visits to India this year, underscoring the importance of this issue in bilateral relations. Notable visits included NSA Jake Sullivan and Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, both of whom have engaged with Indian officials on various topics, including the alleged assassination plot.
After a June visit to India, Campbell noted that Washington has consistently sought updates on the investigations and emphasized the need for accountability. “We have held constructive dialogue with India on this topic, and they have been responsive towards our concerns,” he stated.
The rejection of the summons by India reflects a strong stance on national sovereignty and the integrity of its officials. As Prime Minister Modi prepares for his crucial visit to the US, the diplomatic implications of this case could have lasting effects on India-US relations. With ongoing inquiries and continued dialogues between the two nations, this situation remains closely monitored as both sides navigate the complexities of international law and diplomacy.