US-India relations tested as Modi responds to alleged Sikh murder conspiracy

In response to the recent murder-for-hire charges against Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national accused of plotting the killing of American-Canadian citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, PM Modi addressed the allegations in his first public remarks.

Emphasizing the commitment to the rule of law, Modi stated that India would thoroughly examine any information provided and asserted that isolated incidents should not disrupt the diplomatic ties between India and the United States.

Despite the serious nature of the accusations, the PM highlighted the strong bipartisan support for the India-US relationship, emphasizing the maturity and stability of the partnership.

Allegations an Indian national conspired to murder an American-Canadian citizen - Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun will be examined, but "a few incidents" cannot derail ties between India and the United States, PM said Tuesday, in his first public remarks since US federal prosecutors last month announced murder-for-hire charges against Nikhil Gupta.

The PM, a frequent visitor to the US since 2014, most recently a State visit in June - flagged "security and cooperation in counter-terrorism" as key parts of that partnership, and said, "I don't think it is appropriate to link a few incidents with diplomatic relations between the two countries."