In a significant development, the Biden administration is applying pressure on the Indian government regarding the alleged plot to assassinate Khalistani militant Gurpatwant Singh Pannu. Indian-American lawmakers have revealed that the administration provided them with a classified briefing on the matter, describing it as a "murder-for-hire plot of an American citizen." The lawmakers are demanding action against Indian government officials involved in the episode and cautioning that failure to address the issue could harm bilateral ties.

Five Indian-American lawmakers, all Democrats, released a statement on Friday expressing their concerns about the incident. The statement highlighted the classified briefing provided by the Biden administration, which reportedly convinced the lawmakers of the involvement of an unnamed Indian official or officials in the alleged assassination plot.

"As Members of Congress, the safety and well-being of our constituents is our most important priority. The allegations made in the (Nikhil Gupta) indictment are deeply concerning," the lawmakers stated. While acknowledging New Delhi's announcement of a Committee of Enquiry to investigate the murder plot, the lawmakers emphasized the need for a thorough investigation. They called for holding those responsible, including Indian government officials, accountable and seeking assurances that such incidents would not reoccur.

The lawmakers also underscored the importance of the US-India partnership, noting its positive impact on the lives of both American and Indian people. However, they expressed concern that if the alleged plot is not addressed appropriately, it could significantly damage this consequential partnership.

The statement was issued by Congressman Ami Bera of California, whose district houses a sizable and vocal Sikh population. The other signatories include House Representatives Ro Khanna of California, Pramila Jayapal of Washington state, Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois, and Shri Thanedar of Michigan.

This development marks a setback in the law and order and terrorism realm of bilateral engagement between the United States and India. While political and economic engagement between the two countries remains positive, tensions seem to have surfaced in terrorism cooperation. New Delhi believes that Western powers often provide excessive leeway to anti-India militants who advocate violence by invoking the concept of free speech.

The Biden administration's decision to brief the Indian-American lawmakers, known as the Samosa Caucus, despite New Delhi's efforts to de-escalate the situation through the announcement of an investigation, signals a shift in the tenor of the dialogue. It remains to be seen how the Indian government will address the concerns raised by the Biden administration and the lawmakers, as both countries strive to maintain a strong and mutually beneficial partnership.

In the coming weeks, further discussions between the two nations are expected to shed light on the steps that will be taken by the Indian government to investigate the alleged plot and address the concerns raised by the Biden administration and Indian-American lawmakers.