In a significant development that could strain US-India relations, Vikas Yadav, a 39-year-old former official of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), has been charged by US authorities for his alleged involvement in a plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. The charges come at a time of heightened tensions between the two countries following the killing of another Khalistani terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Canada earlier this year.
Yadav’s Role in RAW and the Assassination Plot
Vikas Yadav, who was employed by the Cabinet Secretariat that houses RAW, held a senior field officer position with responsibilities in “security management” and “intelligence.” According to the US indictment, Yadav allegedly began collaborating with individuals in India and overseas in May 2023 to execute the assassination of Pannun, a US citizen advocating for the creation of Khalistan, a proposed independent Sikh homeland.
Yadav’s alleged co-conspirator, Nikhil Gupta, hired an individual to carry out the assassination. Unbeknownst to them, the hitman was an FBI informant who was instrumental in uncovering the plot. The informant received an advance payment of $15,000 on June 9, 2023, as part of the total $100,000 promised for the job.
Pannun’s Khalistani Activities and India’s Response
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent figure in the Khalistan movement, holds dual citizenship in the US and Canada. He has been a vocal critic of the Indian government, accusing it of human rights violations against Sikhs. India had previously designated Pannun as an “individual terrorist” in 2020 for his alleged role in financing violence and issuing appeals to Punjab-based gangsters and youth to fight for Khalistan.
US Charges and Indian Government’s Reaction
Vikas Yadav, who remains at large, has been charged with murder-for-hire and money laundering by the US Department of Justice. US Attorney General Merrick B. Garland condemned the plot, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts.
The Indian government, through External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, confirmed that Yadav is no longer employed by them and promised full cooperation with US authorities. A high-level Indian inquiry committee also visited the US to discuss the case, with the US State Department expressing satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation.
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Broader Implications and Security Concerns
The case highlights the ongoing threat of international terrorism and the challenges faced by both the US and India in balancing national security interests with international cooperation.
The case also raises questions about the effectiveness of intelligence agencies in preventing such plots and the security of high-profile individuals. As Neeraj Rajput, expert in war, points out the detail in the CAT order, “Agent Vikas Yadav was actually from Aviation Research Centre (ARC) of RAW which is also proved by paratrooper badge on his uniform.“
Bhupendra Chaubey, a journalist, questions the exact situation, “Was Vikas yadav on Indian government rolls or not at the time when alleged “ conspiracy “ was being hatched to eliminate an anti India element on foreign soil?.”
As the investigation unfolds, the case is likely to have far-reaching implications for US-India relations and international security cooperation. It remains to be seen how both countries will navigate the complexities of this situation while ensuring that justice is served and the security of their citizens is protected.
