New Delhi, July 22: India has raised strong concerns over Khalistani extremism ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the United Kingdom, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stating that the issue has been flagged to New Delhi’s counterparts in London.
“The issue of the presence of Khalistani extremists, bodies close to these people, is something that we have brought to the attention of our partners in the UK. We will continue to do so,” Misri said during a media briefing on Tuesday, adding, “This should be a matter of concern to our partners as well because this impacts social cohesion and social order in these other countries too.”
PM Modi’s two-nation tour — to the UK and the Maldives — begins tomorrow and will conclude on July 26. The visit to the UK comes at the invitation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and is expected to strengthen bilateral ties that were upgraded to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” in 2021.
While discussing Modi’s agenda in the UK, Misri also addressed India’s efforts to bring back fugitives wanted by Indian law enforcement agencies who are currently residing in the UK. “There have been a few questions related to fugitives wanted in India and residing in the UK. These have been a matter of discussion between both sides, and we have continued to make the case for their extradition,” he said, noting that while such matters go through legal processes in the UK, India is “closely following up” with the British authorities.
These developments come just months after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was heckled by pro-Khalistan supporters during a visit to the UK in March. Protesters waving flags and chanting slogans had gathered outside Chatham House, where Jaishankar was attending an event, drawing criticism from India.
Misri reiterated that Prime Minister Modi’s visit, though brief, would be significant. “This visit… will give both leaders the opportunity to review the entire gamut of the bilateral relationship,” he said.
India and the UK have maintained regular high-level political exchanges in recent years, and both countries have signalled their commitment to strengthening strategic and economic cooperation.
