Foreign Policy Watch: India-United States

US Seeks Accountability and Institutional Reforms from India Amid Pannun Issue

Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Op Blue Star, Golden Temple, Khalistani Movement

Why in the News?

India is considering potential institutional reforms in light of the Pannun issue and alleged assassination attempts.

  • The US Deputy Secretary emphasized the US seeks accountability from the Indian government and consistently requests updates on the investigation.

What is the Pannun Case?

The Pannun case involves an alleged foiled plot to assassinate Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. Here are the key points:

Background:

  • Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada, is wanted in India on terror charges.
  • In November last year, US federal prosecutors charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta with working alongside an Indian government employee in the plot to kill Pannun in New York.
  • Following these allegations, India appointed a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the inputs provided by the US regarding the plot.

US Position:

  • The US has consistently pressed India for updates on the investigation.
  • US Deputy Secretary of State emphasized seeking accountability from the Indian government and raised the issue directly at senior levels during discussions with Indian counterparts.
  • The US seeks transparency and accountability in the case.

 

What is the Khalistan Conspiracy?

  • The Khalistan movement is a separatist movement aiming to establish a sovereign state called Khalistan (Land of the Khalsa) in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan.

During the Khalistan movement, several significant events shaped its trajectory:

  1. Operation Blue Star (1984): The Indian government launched a military operation to flush out Sikh militants who had taken refuge in the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. The operation resulted in heavy casualties and damage to the temple, leading to widespread anger among Sikhs.
  2. Assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi (1984): In retaliation for Operation Blue Star, two Sikh bodyguards assassinated Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This event triggered anti-Sikh riots across India, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Sikhs.
  3. 1985 Punjab Accord: The Indian government and moderate Sikh leaders reached an agreement known as the Punjab Accord. It aimed to address Sikh grievances by granting greater autonomy to Punjab and recognizing the Sikh identity. However, hardline separatists rejected this accord.
  4. Continued Violence (1980s): The 1980s witnessed violent clashes between Sikh militants and security forces. Bombings, assassinations, and attacks on civilians became common. The insurgency intensified, leading to a cycle of violence.
  5. Air India Flight 182 Bombing (1985): A bomb planted by Khalistani militants exploded on Air India Flight 182, killing all 329 passengers and crew. This remains one of the deadliest aviation-related terrorist acts in history.
  6. Decline and Suppression (1990s): By the early 1990s, the Khalistan movement lost momentum due to crackdowns by security forces, factionalism, and disillusionment among Sikhs. Many militants surrendered or were killed.

 

Recent rise of events

  • Diaspora Influence: The Sikh diaspora, particularly in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, plays a significant role. These communities maintain strong ties to Punjab and actively advocate for Khalistan, using social media platforms to amplify their message.
  • Social Media: The widespread use of social media allows pro-Khalistan activists to connect, organize, and spread their ideology globally. Online platforms provide a powerful tool for mobilization and recruitment.
  • Leadership: Figures like Amritpal Singh have emerged as charismatic leaders, galvanizing support among disaffected Sikhs. Their influence extends beyond geographical boundaries, inspiring followers both in India and abroad.

PYQ:

[2016] Has the formation of linguistic states strengthened the cause of Indian unity?

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