Following reports of India carrying out killings in Pakistan, but...: WATCH US reaction to Guardian report

The United States Tuesday reacted to a media report of India’s foreign intelligence agency allegedly involved in the killing of up to 20 individuals in Pakistan since 2020, saying it has been following the development, but “will not get in the middle of this situation”.

Responding to a question on America’s position on the Guardian article on Islamabad’s allegations against India about carrying out state killings in Pakistan, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said: “So we have been following the media reports about this issue. We don’t have any comment on the underlying allegations. But of course, while we’re not going to get in the middle of this situation, we encourage both sides to avoid escalation and find a resolution through dialogue.”

#WATCH | On being asked about the United States' position on Pakistan's allegations against India about carrying out state killings in Pakistan, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller says, "So we have been following the media reports about this issue. We don't have any… pic.twitter.com/vwaKjkvK0Q

— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2024

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What did the Guardian report say?

On Thursday, April 4, the Guardian published a report claiming that since the Pulwama attack in 2019, India’s intelligence agency RAW carried out assassinations inside Pakistan.

The UK-based daily in its report further alleged that these deaths were “orchestrated by Indian intelligence sleeper cells mostly operating out of the United Arab Emirates.”

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Quoting unnamed intelligence sources, the report further alleged that India drew “inspiration from Israel’s Mossad and Russia’s KGB”.

Also Read: 'Indian Government organised killings in Pakistan to eliminate terrorists', says Guardian report citing intel sources

The report mentioned that it spoke with Indian and Pakistani intelligence operatives who alleged that the “Indian government assassinated individuals in Pakistan as part of a wider strategy to eliminate terrorists living on foreign soil.”

“According to Pakistani investigators, the rise in killings in 2023 was credited to the increased activity of these cells, which are accused of paying millions of rupees to local criminals or poor Pakistanis to carry out the assassinations. Indian agents also allegedly recruited jihadists to carry out the shootings, making them believe they were killing ‘infidels’,” the report said.

Pakistan mein ghus ke marenge: India on Pakistan’s claims

Reacting to the report, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in an exclusive interview with Network 18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, on Friday, said: “If any terrorist tries to disturb India from Pakistan, we will give muh tod jawab (befitting reply). If needed, Pakistan mein ghus ke marenge (Will enter Pakistan and kill). If someone will try to disturb India with terror, uski khair nahi hai (he will not be spared).”

Also Read: If terrorists flee to Pakistan, we will take them down on Pakistani soil: Rajnath Singh

Pakistan’s reaction on Rajnath Singh’s remark

Meanwhile, Pakistan criticised Singh’s remarks as “provocative” and “myopic”.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry issued a statement last week after Singh’s remarks, saying that such rhetoric hinders the potential for constructive engagement in the future.

Also Read: 'Clear admission of culpability': Pakistan on Rajnath Singh's remark about crossing border to kill terrorists

“Pakistan has always demonstrated its commitment to peace in the region. History attests to Pakistan’s firm resolve and ability to protect and defend itself,” the statement added.