India and UK Discuss Khalistani Extremism During High-Level Meeting

New Delhi – Concerns regarding Khalistani extremism were raised during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK counterpart Keir Starmer yesterday, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

During a press conference, MEA Secretary Vikram Misri stated that Prime Minister Modi emphasized the need to address violent extremism within the legal frameworks available in both countries. “PM emphasised that radicalism & violent extremism had no space in democratic societies & should not be allowed to use or abuse the freedoms provided by societies, and there was a need to move against them in the legal framework available on both sides,” Misri said. This discussion comes amid heightened tensions following an attack on the Indian High Commission in London in March 2023, and reflects India’s growing concerns about the activities of pro-Khalistan elements operating from the UK.

The meeting, which took place on Thursday, was part of broader talks focused on strengthening India-UK ties in areas such as trade, defense, security, and critical technology. Starmer arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday accompanied by a delegation of 125 prominent UK business leaders, entrepreneurs, and educationists, following the recent inking of a landmark free trade agreement expected to double bilateral trade by 2030. The UK has faced increasing pressure to address the concerns raised by India regarding pro-Khalistan activities on its soil, a situation that could impact future diplomatic and economic relations.

Officials indicated that both leaders agreed on the importance of upholding democratic values and preventing the misuse of freedoms to promote extremism. Further discussions are expected to continue through established diplomatic channels to ensure coordinated efforts in countering this threat, as outlined by the Ministry of External Affairs.