Former Indian Spy Involved in Botched Assassination of Sikh Activist: US

The United States has taken a bold stance, charging former Indian intelligence officer Vikash Yadav with attempted murder and money laundering. Yadav, linked to the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), allegedly conspired to assassinate an American citizen in New York. This wasn’t just a random act; it targeted Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent advocate for the Khalistan movement.

The FBI’s Christopher Wray made it clear: this is about defending free speech. An Indian government employee plotting violence on U.S. soil against someone exercising their First Amendment rights is unacceptable. The U.S. won’t stand for foreign attempts to intimidate its citizens.

Nikhil Gupta, another suspect, has already been extradited, while Yadav remains elusive. This raises serious questions about India’s reach and willingness to suppress dissent—even in America. The situation highlights an alarming trend of transnational repression, with the Sikh American community bearing the brunt.

The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) has rightly condemned this behavior. Sikh Americans shouldn’t face surveillance and violence for their beliefs. This is a direct assault on freedom, and it demands immediate action from the U.S. government.

Sikhs for Justice, the group Pannun represents, views this indictment as a sign that the U.S. is serious about protecting its citizens. They intend to continue advocating for Khalistan, asserting that despite India’s violent tactics, they will seek a peaceful resolution through referendums.

This is not just an issue of one assassination plot; it represents a broader crisis. Foreign governments trying to silence dissent within U.S. borders must be held accountable. Freedom of expression should be sacrosanct, but the growing incidents of intimidation threaten that foundation.

The U.S. State Department has acknowledged the seriousness of this matter. An Indian inquiry committee recently visited Washington to discuss the plot. But with Canada also accusing Indian agents of violent repression, the situation is spiraling out of control.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed that there is “clear and compelling evidence” of Indian involvement in threats to public safety in Canada. This includes covert operations against the South Asian community, indicating a pattern of aggressive behavior.

India’s attempts to project power through violence are backfiring. The ties between India and Canada have been strained since Trudeau linked Indian agents to the assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The implications for India’s reputation on the global stage are dire.

As the United States takes action against Yadav, it must remain vigilant. The fight against transnational repression is far from over. American values are at stake, India has threaten them and must be met with firm resistance.