US Dy Secy of State to take part in first Indian Ocean Dialogue, focus on Indo-Pacific security

On Wednesday, the spokesperson said, “Due to flight issues, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer will have meetings virtually with Indian counterparts.”

According to a press release by the Department, Campbell would be joined by Finer and other senior Indian officials for discussions focused on security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. According to the statement, Campbell would also take part in the Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) Intersession, which will focus on expanding US-India cooperation in technological innovation and production.

In June, Campbell had visited India along with US NSA Jake Sullivan for a key meeting of the US-India initiative on iCET, days after the Narendra Modi government started its third term. Among other issues such as the impending QUAD Summit, they also discussed the Gurpatwant Singh Pannun issue, as per a response by Campbell during a media briefing after the visit.

It was during this visit that reports of Indian national Nikhil Gupta — accused by the US of being involved in the murder-for-hire alleged plot against Pannun — being extradited to the US from the Czech Republic had come to light. Gupta appeared in the New York court a day later to face charges.

Campbell had said that the US had “consistently asked for updates” on the high-level committee set up by New Delhi to investigate the allegations about the involvement of Indian officials in the alleged plot to assassinate Pannun in New York last year.

“We made clear that we seek accountability and we have held constructive dialogue with India on this topic and they have been responsive towards our concerns. We have consistently asked for updates. The issue has been raised directly with the Indian government at the highest levels,” Campbell had said.