The Pannun episode shows there is a trust-deficit between India and US - Journalists Literature Festival 2024

Chandigarh: The second day of the Journalists’ Literature Festival held at the Chandigarh Press Club in Sector 27, Chandigarh featured some of the brightest minds in journalism.

The day concluded with a thought-provoking discussion on whether the India-US relationship stands as the most defining partnership of the 21st century. Journalists Ramesh Vinayak, Varghese K George, Rahul Singh, and Jayant Jacob shared their expert views on this significant topic. 

On being asked by Vinayak about the Gurpatwant Singh Pannun assassination attempt,  George said, “The fact that the United States would handle the Pannun case the way it did, speaks of a trust deficit. In fact, we do not know the whole truth of it.”  

Rahul Singh said, “Trust is just beginning to grow between the two countries. One of the biggest deals is the purchase of jets and high-tech drones. These are crown jewels of defence tech. US needs India, it is a counterweight to China’s growing aspirations.” 

He also asserted that India was no pushover when it came to China, as seen in Galwan where it managed to give China a bloody nose.   

Jacob said that India-Us ties have  gone through several ups and downs. The American establishment does not trust India very much as seen in the Pannun issue.