New Delhi

The US alleges that Indian national Nikhil Gupta conspired with another Indian citizen to try and kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated Khalistani terrorist.

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This allegation has prompted the Indian government to consider "institutional reforms... necessary to address" such potential plots, according to Kurt M Campbell, the US Deputy Secretary of State, who spoke to the press on Wednesday (June 25).

Also read: Indian accused of attempting to kill Khalistani terrorist extradited to US

Gupta, 53, was arrested by Czechia officials last year in June and extradited to the US this month.

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The US has accused Gupta of conspiring with an Indian official to hire a hitman, who turned out to be an undercover American federal agent. The US has claimed they have material that shows the staffer asked Gupta to plan the killing.

In return, the staffer said a criminal case against Nikhil Gupta in Gujarat would be dropped.

Gupta was produced before a New York federal court and entered a 'not guilty' plea.

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In anticipation of his arraignment, his lawyer told news agency PTI, "This is a complex matter for both our countries and hinted at the existence of new evidence... that may cast government allegations in a new light".

No consular access requested

Indian authorities have not yet received a request for consular access from Nikhil Gupta, a right afforded to all Indian nationals abroad.

"We are looking into the matter... to see what can be done (and) are in touch with his family," India said.

Notably, under current US laws, Gupta faces a maximum jail term of 20 years.

Also read | India slams Washington Post report linking RAW officer to alleged Pannun murder plot

Earlier, Gupta had, through his legal representatives, complained of being unfairly charged.

In December, a family member (identified only as 'X') filed a petition with the Indian Supreme Court on behalf of Nikhil Gupta. The petition alleges multiple human rights violations during his detention in a Czech prison.

India has designated Pannun a terrorist but dissociated itself from the plot.

Last year, the External Affairs Ministry called the charges a matter of concern and said the government had opened a high-level probe into the matter. 

Also read: Pannun murder plot: Top Czech court halts Nikhil Gupta's extradition to US, says report

"Ordering such assassinations violates our government's policies," the ministry said.

(With inputs from agencies)