Vantage | What Pannun's threats to India say about US double standards

In recent developments, the United States is not only accused of turning a blind eye to rising anti-Semitism but is also seemingly indifferent to anti-India campaigns. The focal point of concern is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US citizen and a prominent figure associated with the Khalistani movement, who has openly threatened to attack the Indian Parliament.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, known as America’s favourite Khalistani, has recently released a video threatening to replicate the 2001 Parliament attack on 13 December. In the video, he accuses the Indian prime minister of attempting to kill him and speaks of shaking the foundations of the Parliament. The Indian authorities are treating these threats seriously with heightened security measures in place during the ongoing winter session of Parliament. This is not the first time Pannun has made such threats. In the preceding month, he issued a warning to bomb Air India flights, declaring that the airline would not be allowed to operate globally. These successive threats against Air India and the Indian Parliament raise alarming concerns about the safety and security of the nation. US response Pannun is a US citizen who resides and works in the United States making threats against India originating from US soil. Surprisingly, the US government has not taken any decisive action against him. Instead, there are allegations that the US is protecting Pannun. Recent accusations by the US against an Indian national for attempting to harm Pannun have further strained diplomatic relations. The double standard in the US response becomes apparent when considering the hypothetical scenario of threats against the US. What if someone from West Asia or Africa threatened to attack the US Congress or American flights? The expectation is that the US response would involve swift and decisive action. However, in Pannun’s case, there seems to be a reluctance to investigate and hold him accountable. This week, Jon Finer, America’s Deputy National Security Advisor, visited India and raised the issue of the Pannun assassination plot in discussions with Indian officials. While he emphasised the importance of accountability, the US stance appears passive, waiting for India’s investigation to conclude before taking any concrete measures. The ongoing threats from Gurpatwant Singh Pannun against India, coupled with the perceived indifference of the US government, raise serious questions about diplomatic responsibility and international cooperation. The situation underscores the need for the US to address this issue promptly and impartially, demonstrating a commitment to global security and the fight against terrorism. The glaring double standard in response to threats poses a significant challenge to the diplomatic relationship between the two nations. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.