The plot allegedly targeted Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a leader of the Khalistan movement, who has vowed to continue his campaign for an independent Sikh nation despite the threats. The FBI emphasized that it would not tolerate acts of violence or retaliation against individuals residing on US soil for exercising their constitutionally protected rights.

The US Justice Department has charged an Indian intelligence official this week in relation to a foiled assassination attempt targeting a Sikh separatist leader residing in New York City. The official, who remains at large, is the second Indian national charged with conspiring to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US-Canadian citizen and a prominent advocate of the Khalistan movement.

The Khalistan movement seeks to establish an independent Sikh nation, claiming territory that currently forms part of India and Pakistan.

FBI Director Christopher Wray stated, "The FBI will not tolerate acts of violence or other efforts to retaliate against those residing in the US for exercising their constitutionally protected rights."

The US authorities confirmed cooperation from Indian officials in the investigation. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller shared that Indian authorities informed them the individual named in the indictment is no longer employed by the Indian government. Miller also said, "We are satisfied with cooperation. It continues to be an ongoing process."

This development follows shortly after Canada expelled six diplomats, including the Indian high commissioner, due to alleged connections to attacks against Sikh leaders within Canada. India responded by expelling six Canadian diplomats.

Despite the escalating international tensions, Pannun remains undeterred by these alleged assassination attempts. In an interview with DW's Washington correspondent Ines Pohl, he reaffirmed his commitment to the cause, saying the threats would not hinder the Khalistan independence movement. "This is not going to deter me from running my global Khalistan referendum campaign," he stated.

Pannun further accused India of recruiting multiple "hitmen" from the Sikh community to carry out these attacks, an allegation that the Indian government has denied.