Nikhil Gupta, a 54-year-old Indian man, has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a failed assassination plot against Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York City. Gupta faced multiple charges, including murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit money laundering, which could result in a lengthy prison sentence of up to 40 years. His plea was entered in a Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn.

Gupta's involvement in the plot was allegedly backed by elements of the Indian government, as he conspired to eliminate Pannun, who is a prominent advocate for Sikh independence. Following his extradition from the Czech Republic, where he was arrested the previous year, Gupta initially pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea in light of the charges against him. His case raises concerns regarding international political dynamics and the lengths to which foreign governments may go to suppress dissent.

The legal proceedings are significant not just for Gupta, who has been in custody since June 2024, but also for the broader implications regarding India’s approach to Sikh separatism, especially involving diaspora communities in countries like the United States. As the case unfolds, it may lead to heightened scrutiny on foreign interference and the safety of political activists in the U.S. and beyond.