Yadav’s removal
THE removal of Indian official Vikash Yadav, allegedly under US pressure, has ignited fresh concerns about India's international standing and its security operations abroad. Yadav, now charged by the US Department of Justice, is accused of plotting the assassination of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US-based Sikh separatist leader tied to the Khalistan movement. This case has escalated diplomatic tensions between India and the US, with the broader Five Eyes alliance watching closely. The US indictment of Yadav underscores Washington's strict stance against foreign interference on its soil. With Pannun designated a terrorist by India, the government's security agencies have considered him a serious threat. However, allegations of an extrajudicial assassination plot targeting Pannun on US soil have sent shockwaves through diplomatic channels. The US decision to publicise these charges suggests mounting pressure on India to ensure that its security measures align with international law.
The situation has been further complicated by India's ongoing diplomatic spat with Canada, following its Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's accusations linking Indian agents to the killing of another Khalistan sympathiser, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This allegation has drawn in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance — it comprises the English-speaking countries of the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. In particular, the UK has called for India's cooperation in investigations, signalling that these nations are scrutinising India's handling of separatist movements abroad.
Yadav's removal from government service appears to be a direct consequence of US diplomatic pressure, reflecting a broader international concern over India's counterterrorism practices. New Delhi must carefully navigate this situation to avoid deeper strains in its relationships. At the same time, it must address growing concerns about its approach to Khalistani dissidents, particularly abroad. India faces the challenge of recalibrating its foreign and security policies to protect its interests.
