New Delhi - The U.S. National Security Council has confirmed that U.S. officials have engaged in discussions with their Indian counterparts regarding allegations of a plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh separatist leader, on American soil. The allegations were first reported by the Financial Times on Wednesday.

According to the report, U.S. authorities successfully thwarted the murder conspiracy and subsequently issued a warning to the Indian government over concerns of its possible involvement in the plot. The U.S. National Security Council emphasized the seriousness with which they are treating the matter.

Responding to the Financial Times article, NSC spokesperson Adrienne Watson stated, "It has been raised by the U.S. Government with the Indian Government, including at the senior-most levels." She further added that Indian counterparts expressed surprise and concern, distancing themselves from any involvement, and stating that such activities were not their policy. The Indian government is said to be conducting a further investigation into the matter, with the Biden administration conveying its expectation of holding those responsible accountable.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a U.S.-Canadian dual national, is the head of Sikhs for Justice, an organization based in New York that advocates for the creation of an independent Sikh state called Khalistan, separate from India. The Indian government designated Pannun as a terrorist in 2019 and banned his organization for "anti-India activities."

Prior to the disclosure of the alleged murder plot, the Indian National Investigation Agency (NIA) had registered a new case against Pannun for his recent social media posts, urging Sikhs to stop flying Air India without providing a reason for his statements.

While the Financial Times report did not clarify whether the U.S. protest led the plotters to abandon their plan or if U.S. law enforcement intervened, it did mention that U.S. federal prosecutors have filed a sealed indictment against at least one suspect related to the plot.

In response to the U.S. officials' input, India's foreign affairs ministry spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, acknowledged the shared concerns and stated that necessary follow-up action would be taken, as it impinges on India's national security interests.

Interestingly, this revelation comes just two months after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged credible evidence of Indian government involvement in the murder of another Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Canada. India has firmly denied any role in Nijjar's killing. The allegations sparked a diplomatic row between India and Canada.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who had a close relationship with Nijjar for 20 years and treated him like a younger brother, previously stated that he would seek vengeance for Nijjar's death.

The plot against Pannun further highlights the ongoing tensions and complexities surrounding Sikh separatist movements and the strained relationships between governments involved. The investigation into the alleged assassination plot continues, with both the United States and India cooperating in determining the truth behind the accusations.