India, April 18 -- The White House has, for the first time, addressed reports surrounding a string of deaths and disappearances involving 10 scientists and officials allegedly linked to sensitive US nuclear and space research.

During a Wednesday press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked whether the administration was aware of the cases and if intelligence agencies were investigating possible connections.

She did not provide a direct answer, saying, "I haven't spoken to our relevant agencies about it. I will certainly do that, and will get you an answer."

She added that if the claims were accurate, they would warrant serious attention: "If true, of course, that's definitely something I think this government and administ...