In an implicit allusion to Khalistani terrorist groups operating from nations such as the US and Canada, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India is deeply concerned about activities of certain extremist groups based overseas.
The Prime Minister, in an interview with The Financial Times, remarked, “These elements, under the guise of freedom of expression, have engaged in intimidation and incited violence."
Regarding the US allegations of India's involvement in Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, PM Modi stated that India is prepared to "examine" any evidence provided in this regard, saying, "If someone gives us any information, we would definitely look into it. 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."
Despite the challenges, PM Modi expressed optimism about the future of India-US relationships, emphasizing that a "few incidents" would not derail the ties. He highlighted strong bipartisan support in India for strengthening this relationship as a sign of a mature and stable partnership.
"Security and counter-terrorism cooperation have been key components of our partnership," PM Modi asserted.
"I don't think it is appropriate to link a few incidents with diplomatic relations between the two countries," he added.
India had rejected Trudeau's claims as "absurd and motivated" hours after the Canadian Prime Minister said in September that there are credible allegations of a potential link over India's involvement in Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing in Canada.
The US Justice Department later brought charges against an Indian man, Nikhil Gupta, for his alleged role in a foiled killing plot of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
India's Ministry of External Affairs announced the establishment of a high-level committee to investigate US allegations regarding Pannun's assassination plot.
Emphasizing India's pursuit of an "independent" foreign policy in the era of multilateralism, PM Modi stated, "The world is interconnected as well as interdependent. This reality compels us to recognize that absolute agreement on all matters cannot be a prerequisite for collaboration."
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