ISLAMABAD: An Indian national Nikhil Gupta has pleaded guilty in a Manhattan federal court to charges related to a murder-for-hire conspiracy targeting prominent Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York City. The plea entered on February 13 2026 marks a significant development in a case that has strained diplomatic relations between the United States India and Canada since allegations first surfaced in late 2023. Prosecutors described the plot as directed by an Indian government employee underscoring concerns over extraterritorial actions against dissidents. Gupta now faces up to 40 years in prison with sentencing scheduled for May 29 2026.
The scheme unfolded in mid-2023 when Gupta allegedly collaborated with an Indian intelligence officer identified in court documents as Vikash Yadav to arrange Pannun’s assassination. Pannun a dual US-Canadian citizen and founder of Sikhs for Justice advocates for an independent Khalistan state carved out of northern India a movement banned in India as separatist and terrorist activity. US authorities revealed that Gupta transferred $15000 as an advance payment to an individual he believed was a contract killer but who was in reality a confidential source for the US Drug Enforcement Administration leading to the plot’s swift disruption before any harm occurred.
Court filings indicate the conspiracy involved multiple communications including discussions about timing the assassination around high-profile diplomatic events. Prosecutors linked the plot to broader concerns following the June 2023 killing of another Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada an incident that prompted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to accuse Indian agents of involvement. The US Department of Justice emphasized that Gupta acted under direct instructions from the government-linked figure highlighting the use of international narcotics and weapons trafficking networks to facilitate the operation.
Gupta a 54-year-old resident of India was arrested at Prague airport in the Czech Republic in June 2023 on a US extradition warrant and transferred to American custody in mid-2024. During his court appearance before Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn he admitted to the charges of murder-for-hire conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit money laundering. These offenses carry maximum penalties of 10 years 10 years and 20 years respectively underscoring the gravity of attempting to eliminate a US citizen on American soil for exercising free speech rights according to US Attorney Jay Clayton.
Pannun who has been designated a terrorist by Indian authorities reacted strongly to the plea describing it as judicial confirmation of a structured assassination attempt orchestrated by the Indian government on US territory. He urged further action against higher authorities involved rejecting claims that the operation stemmed from rogue elements. The case has amplified calls from Sikh diaspora groups for accountability while raising questions about the safety of political activists abroad.
Indian officials have consistently denied any state involvement in the plot asserting that such actions contradict official policy. New Delhi previously established a high-level inquiry committee in response to the initial US allegations in November 2023 and later confirmed that the implicated individual was no longer in government service. The Ministry of External Affairs has maintained that India takes such matters seriously but views the accusations as politically motivated and inconsistent with bilateral cooperation on security issues.
The guilty plea revives scrutiny over alleged Indian efforts to target Sikh separatists overseas a pattern noted by US and Canadian intelligence. Authorities pointed to intercepted communications and financial trails linking Gupta to Yadav who remains at large and subject to US charges. The foiled attempt occurred amid heightened tensions following Pannun’s vocal campaigns including referendums on Khalistan that India has condemned as anti-national propaganda.
Legal experts note that Gupta’s admission avoids a full trial which was set to present wiretaps electronic evidence and witness testimony. His decision to plead guilty may reflect the strength of the prosecution’s case built on cooperation with international partners. The outcome reinforces Washington’s stance against foreign interference in domestic affairs particularly attempts to silence critics through violence on US soil.
This development occurs against the backdrop of complex US-India strategic ties including defense cooperation and economic partnerships. While the Biden administration previously expressed satisfaction with India’s internal probe into related allegations the case continues to test diplomatic boundaries. Observers anticipate that Gupta’s sentencing in May could prompt renewed discussions on extradition cooperation and safeguards for diaspora communities.
The episode highlights ongoing challenges in balancing counter-terrorism priorities with respect for free expression. Pannun’s advocacy though controversial in India enjoys protections under US law as political speech. The court’s handling of the matter sends a clear message that extraterritorial plots against American citizens will face rigorous prosecution regardless of originating state.