In a shocking revelation, United States authorities have thwarted a plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent leader of the Sikh separatist movement, on American soil. The Biden administration has raised concerns with the Indian government over its possible involvement in the plot, according to a senior administration official. The U.S. is treating the incident with utmost seriousness and has already informed the Indian government at the highest levels. The plot was first reported by the Financial Times, which stated that the U.S. had informed some allies about the assassination attempt.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual citizen of the United States and Canada, who is the target of the foiled plot, is a key figure in the Khalistan movement. The Khalistan movement advocates for the creation of an independent Sikh homeland called Khalistan in India's Punjab region. Pannun is the general counsel of Sikhs for Justice, an activist group that is associated with the movement.

The plot against Pannun comes just two months after Canada accused the Indian government of being involved in the murder of a Canadian national associated with the Sikh separatist movement. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had made the allegations, which India described as "absurd." The U.S. intelligence agencies were involved in gathering the intelligence cited by Canada in relation to the murder.

It remains unclear whether the alleged plot against Pannun's life was abandoned after Washington's intervention or if it was actively thwarted by the FBI. The FBI is currently investigating the matter, and U.S. federal prosecutors have filed a sealed indictment against at least one suspect in a New York district court.

The revelation of the plot has raised concerns about the increasing trend of foreign governments seeking to harass, stalk, or intimidate dissidents and political opponents in the United States. The U.S. authorities have repeatedly warned about this alarming trend, and they are taking the issue seriously.

The warning sent by the U.S. to the Indian government came after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Washington in June. While the U.S. is urging India to assist Canada's investigation into the murder, it has been cautious in publicly criticizing India due to its efforts to build close relations with India as a counterweight to China's rising power.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in response to the plot, stated that the threat to an American citizen on American soil is a challenge to America's sovereignty. He expressed his trust that the Biden administration is more than capable of handling such challenges.

India's foreign ministry has responded to the U.S. warning by stating that it takes the information seriously as it pertains to a "nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, terrorists, and others." The Indian government has launched an investigation into the matter and noted that it is of concern to both countries.

The plot against Pannun holds historical significance due to a bombing in 1985 of an Air India aircraft flying from Canada to India. The bombing, which killed 329 people, was blamed on Sikh militants. Pannun had recently posted a video on social media threatening to boycott Air India, stating that it was not a bomb threat.

The case against Pannun has been registered by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) under charges related to terrorism and conspiracy. Pannun's involvement with Sikhs for Justice, which India has labeled an "unlawful association," adds to the complexity of the situation.

As the investigation unfolds, the Biden administration and Indian authorities will continue to work together to ensure accountability and address any potential security threats. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between maintaining diplomatic relations and addressing issues related to national security.