US Charges Former Indian Official in Assassination Plot

The United States has charged former Indian intelligence officer Vikash Yadav with orchestrating a foiled assassination plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a U.S.-Canadian citizen and pro-Khalistani activist, in New York City. Yadav, a former officer in India’s Research and Analysis Wing, was named for the first time in a superseding indictment unsealed in federal court, marking the first time an Indian government official has faced charges for an assassination plot on U.S. soil. His alleged co-conspirator, Nikhil Gupta, had been arrested in the Czech Republic and extradited to the U.S., where he pleaded not guilty. The indictment reveals that Yadav directed Gupta to hire a hitman, who turned out to be an undercover officer. The case highlights escalating concerns about India's involvement in transnational violence, with U.S. officials emphasizing their commitment to protecting American citizens. Yadav remains at large in India, and the U.S. is expected to seek his extradition.