Indian businessman pleads guilty in plot to kill Sikh extremist

Nikhil Gupta admitted involvement in plan to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Nikhil Gupta, an Indian businessman currently incarcerated in the United States, pleaded guilty on Friday to being involved in a plot to assassinate Khalistani Sikh terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York. Gupta had been arrested in the Czech Republic in June 2023 and extradited to the U.S. for his alleged role in the assassination plot.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing tensions between India and Sikh separatist groups, some of which have been designated as terrorist organizations. Pannun, the intended target, is a prominent Khalistani activist who has advocated for an independent Sikh homeland, which the Indian government views as a threat to national unity.

The details

According to court documents, Gupta admitted to being part of a group that planned to kill Pannun, who was living in exile in New York. The plot was allegedly orchestrated by Pannun's political rivals in India, though the full details of the conspiracy remain unclear.

  • Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic in June 2023.
  • Gupta pleaded guilty to the assassination plot charges on February 13, 2026.

The players

Nikhil Gupta

An Indian businessman currently incarcerated in the United States for his involvement in a plot to assassinate Khalistani Sikh terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun

A prominent Khalistani Sikh activist and terrorist who has advocated for an independent Sikh homeland, which the Indian government views as a threat to national unity.

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What they’re saying

“We must remain vigilant against any threats to our national security, no matter the source.”

— Rajesh Kumar, Indian Home Ministry spokesperson (Deccan Herald)

What’s next

Gupta is expected to be sentenced in the coming weeks for his role in the assassination plot.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing tensions between India and Sikh separatist groups, some of which have been designated as terrorist organizations. It also highlights the challenges governments face in preventing such cross-border conspiracies.