US inputs on 'plot' have bearing on India's security, says Centre

India has instituted an inquiry to look into inputs provided by the US in connection with an alleged plot to kill pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil because the matter has a bearing on national security, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday.

- Rezaul H Laskar

Jaishankar, however, ruled out the possibility of "equitable treatment" to allegations by Canada about a potential link between Indian government agents and the killing of another pro-Khalistan leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, on the grounds that Ottawa hasn't provided any specific evidence or inputs.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during question hour, he said "certain inputs" were given to India by the US as part of bilateral security cooperation. "Those inputs were of concern to us because they related to the nexus of organised crime, trafficking and other matters," he said.

"So, because it has a bearing on our own national security, it was decided to institute an inquiry into the matter and an inquiry committee has been constituted." Jaishankar's remarks came against the backdrop of US prosecutors alleging in an indictment filed in a federal court in Manhattan that an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta alias Nick, 52, had participated in a foiled plot to kill Pannun in New York City.

The indictment further alleged that an Indian government employee who described himself as a "senior field officer" responsible for intelligence had ordered the killing of Pannun.