Months after US federal prosecutors accused an Indian citizen and an unnamed Indian official of being involved.
In a foiled plot to assassinate Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil, it has been learnt that a government delegation of the United States, headed by Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Kristie Canegallo is scheduled to visit India next week for the Homeland Security Dialogue (HSD) with officials of Union Home Ministry.
India has prepared several presentations to discuss a range of issues, which include asylum status used by criminals, pro-Khalistani elements to carry out terrorist activities in India, assistance to arrest the attacker of the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, the extradition status of Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana, terror fugitives, and on terror financial investigations with them, a source said.
A senior official with the Ministry of Home Affairs said they have made all preparations and the heads of Narcotics Bureau, National Investigation Agency, Central Bureau of Investigation, and Internal Security will be part of the HSD. “After Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher A Wray’s visit in December, this is the first official meeting of a US government delegation, which is coming to meet the Central government this year. Top officials of both the nations will attend the HSD. Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla will head the Indian delegation and all senior officials of other sectors have been asked to attend the HSD on February 28,” the official said.
On their agendas, an official said apart from discussions on anti-Khalistani elements, there are several key points to be discussed on immigration, counter narcotics, border and group supply chain security, law enforcement investigative cooperation, local and state law enforcement engagements, child sexual exploitation, human trafficking, trade and economic security, cyber security, and proposal for electronic travel document.
A source said anything related to Pannun is not on the agenda. During Wray’s visit, a presentation was made on Pannun, but there was no discussion on him. “Both the nations will discuss to enhance bilateral cooperation in all the key areas,” the source said.
The India-US Homeland Security Dialogue was introduced in 2010 as a mechanism to a sequel to the signing of the India-US Counterterrorism Initiative. The first HSD was held in May 2011. During Wray’s meeting at NIA headquarters last year, wide-ranging discussions were held on a host of issues, including activities of terrorist-organised criminal networks and ongoing Probe in the US regarding the attack on Indian Consulate in San Francisco.