New Delhi, India’s intelligence agency, Research Analysis Wing (RAW), has reportedly halted operations at its North American stations, marking the first such move since 1968. The decision comes ahead of expected criminal charges against one of its citizens, Nikhil Gupta, for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to assassinate pro-Sikh terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York.
According to reports by ThePrint, federal prosecutors in Manhattan claim that Gupta, 52, collaborated with an Indian government employee responsible for security and intelligence in plotting the assassination. The case has put RAW under scrutiny, especially after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian government agents of involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver in June.
RAW’s cessation of operations in North America follows the expulsion of its station chief in Ottawa, Pavan Rai. The move is seen as a response to perceived violations of unwritten conventions governing RAW’s operations in Western countries.
ThePrint, citing intelligence sources, revealed that two high-ranking RAW officers were asked to depart from their posts earlier this summer. The officers in question were reportedly the head of the RAW station in San Francisco and the second-in-command of its operations in London.
Prosecutors in the United States allege that Nikhil Gupta was offered up to $150,000 by an individual claiming to work for Indian intelligence to arrange the murder of an unnamed Khalistan lawyer and extremist. The move to halt operations in North America and the expulsion of RAW officers indicate growing concerns over the agency’s activities in Western nations.
British intelligence, as per ThePrint’s report, had expressed dissatisfaction with RAW’s increasing involvement in Sikh diasporic politics in the UK. The expulsion of the RAW officer in San Francisco reflects apprehensions about potential non-cooperation from the United States if offensive operations by RAW in the West persist.
While the current situation marks a significant development, concerns linger about the potential escalation of the issue. The unnamed senior RAW officer cited in the report suggested that if the problem intensifies, diplomatic channels involving the ambassador or high commissioner might become involved.
