The visit by Finer to India comes in the wake of recent revelations by American prosecutors linking an Indian official to a plot involving the conspiracy to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on U.S. soil
Jonathan Finer, the Principal Deputy National Security Advisor to US President Joe Biden, engaged in discussions with senior Indian officials, focusing on various bilateral issues, prominently the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (ICET). This initiative marks a pivotal milestone in the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
The visit by Finer to India comes in the wake of recent revelations by American prosecutors linking an Indian official to a plot involving the conspiracy to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil.
On December 4, Finer led a US delegation to New Delhi for an intersessional review of the iCET alongside Indian Deputy National Security Advisor Vikram Misri. The iCET, launched in May 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Biden, aims to foster cooperative efforts in new and emerging technologies. It is co-led by the National Security Council Secretariat in India and the US National Security Council.
During the visit, Finer engaged in bilateral and regional consultations with key Indian figures, including Ambassador Misri, Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra. The discussions delved into enhancing coordination and policy alignment across the Indo-Pacific, with a specific focus on the wider Indian Ocean region. Topics included the Middle East, addressing recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, safeguarding freedom of commercial navigation, and outlining plans for post-conflict Gaza with a pathway toward a two-state solution.
Acknowledging India’s commitment, Finer praised the establishment of a Committee of Enquiry to investigate alleged lethal plotting in the United States. The US State Department welcomed India’s decision to set up this committee, emphasising the seriousness with which the US government views such matters. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller clarified that ongoing law enforcement matters would be addressed by the Department of Justice.
Despite the sensitivity of the case involving an alleged assassination attempt on a Sikh separatist leader, the US reiterated its stance against transnational oppression, irrespective of the country or entities involved. India, on its part, expressed concern over the linkage of an Indian official to the plot and affirmed that follow-up actions would be taken based on the findings of the investigation panel.
This series of diplomatic engagements reflects the complexity of the US-India relationship, encompassing strategic security, technological cooperation, and collaborative efforts to address transnational challenges. The ongoing dialogue signifies the commitment of both nations to navigate and resolve issues, fostering a resilient and cooperative partnership.
