New Delhi: US President Joe Biden spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday to congratulate him and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on their victory in India's general election. In a statement released by the White House, the President commended the Indian people for their participation in the democratic process, with nearly 650 million voters turning out for the polls. Both leaders underscored their commitment to strengthening the US-India Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership and advancing a vision of a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. They also discussed the upcoming visit of National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan to New Delhi to discuss shared priorities, including the strategic technology partnership.
Meanwhile, the US has been pressing India for action regarding an alleged plot to kill US citizen and pro-Khalistan extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun last year. The Americans claim that two Indians, including a government employee, were involved. New Delhi previously established a high-level committee to investigate the matter. Recent reports have identified the Indian government employee accused in the plot as Vikram Yadav, a former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) employee. The alleged plot involved directing another Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, who was arrested by Czech authorities last year. The Indian government has emphasised its commitment to investigating the matter, stating that it takes such allegations seriously and is awaiting the findings of the high-level committee. New Delhi has reiterated that it does not endorse or engage in activities contrary to its policies and values. The investigation into the alleged plot underscores the complex nexus of organised crime, trafficking, gun running, and extremism at an international level, prompting law enforcement agencies to address these issues comprehensively.
