NEW DELHI: A US court case involving an assassination plot against a Sikh separatist activist has renewed international scrutiny over India’s intelligence operations and raised fresh questions about the conduct of its security agencies abroad.
Indian national Nikhil Gupta is scheduled to be sentenced later this month after pleading guilty in February to involvement in a failed plot targeting Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent Khalistan supporter based in the United States.
US prosecutors said the operation involved an “Indian government employee” identified as Vikash Yadav, described in court documents as a senior intelligence and security official linked to India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
Indian authorities have not issued further public comments following Gupta’s confession.
The case has intensified debate around India’s international image as the world’s largest democracy, particularly amid allegations of transnational repression and targeting of dissidents overseas.
Killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Following the original charges in 2023, New Delhi established a high-level inquiry committee which reportedly concluded that “rogue operatives” may have acted without official authorisation. However, the findings of the inquiry were never made public.
The controversy has also revived attention on previous allegations involving Indian intelligence activities abroad, including diplomatic tensions with Canada after the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023.
Analysts say the case could complicate India’s efforts to strengthen international security partnerships and intelligence cooperation with Western allies.
US authorities have placed Vikash Yadav on the FBI’s “Most Wanted” list, while media reports suggest he remains in India.
