October 18, 2024: Vikas Yadav, a former official with India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), has been declared wanted by the FBI following criminal charges linked to an alleged conspiracy to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on U.S. soil. The plot reportedly surfaced around the time of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent state visit to the United States.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced the charges against Yadav, 39, who previously worked within the cabinet secretariat, raising significant concerns over the alleged involvement of a former government official in international criminal activity.

In response to the charges, Indian external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed in New Delhi that Yadav is "no longer an employee of the government of India." The Indian government has categorically denied any association with the purported assassination plot, asserting its commitment to diplomatic norms and the rule of law.

The FBI has included Yadav on its list of "wanted" fugitives, intensifying the international focus on the case. In light of the allegations, the Indian government has initiated an inquiry to investigate the matter, and U.S. authorities have expressed satisfaction with the cooperation received from India.