'Few incidents' cannot derail India's growing ties with US, says Modi

India will "look into" any evidence of allegations of a plot to kill a Khalistani leader on American soil but a "few incidents" will not derail US-India ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said in his first response on the issue.

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Modi made the remarks in an interview with the Financial Times, during which he sought to play down the diplomatic impact of a US indictment last month that alleged an Indian official directed the plot to kill Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, already declared a terrorist by India.

"If someone gives us any information, we would definitely look into it," Modi said. "If a citizen of ours has done anything good or bad, we are ready to look into it. Our commitment is to the rule of law."

External affairs minister S Jaishankar had earlier said that New Delhi has set up a highlevel inquiry committee to look into the allegations and will "take necessary follow-up action".

Modi reiterated India's concerns about Khalistani activists misusing freedom of expression in Western countries to engage in acts of intimidation and inciting violence. He said India is "deeply concerned about the activities of certain extremist groups based overseas".

He added: "These elements, under the guise of freedom of expression, have engaged in intimidation and incited violence."