During his official visit to London on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the growing concerns over Khalistani separatist activities on British soil in a crucial bilateral meeting with his UK counterpart, Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The issue was prominently featured in their discussions, signaling a renewed emphasis by India on the need for greater vigilance and cooperation to address extremist threats under the guise of democratic rights.
Caution Against Misuse of Democratic Liberties
In a pointed yet diplomatically framed statement delivered during a joint media interaction, Prime Minister Modi said,
“We also agree that forces with extremist ideologies must not be allowed to misuse democratic freedoms.”
Though not naming Khalistani groups directly, the reference was unmistakable. Modi’s remarks were seen as a direct rebuttal to the freedom of expression justifications often cited by Western democracies—including the UK, US, Canada, and Australia—that allow separatist entities to mobilize and organize protests, provided they remain non-violent.
“Those who misuse democratic freedoms to undermine democracy itself must be held to account,” Modi asserted, calling for a collective and principled stand against double standards in the global fight against terrorism.
The Prime Minister also expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Starmer for the UK’s strong condemnation of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed the lives of several Indian soldiers. He emphasized that terrorism in all its forms must be combated uniformly, without making exceptions based on geography or political considerations.
India Seeks Continued UK Support on Khalistan Issue
When asked about specific outcomes of the conversation on Khalistani activities in the UK, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that Prime Minister Modi had discussed the matter in detail with his British counterpart. The Indian leader reportedly conveyed New Delhi’s deep concerns over the targeting of Indian diplomatic missions and diplomats, particularly about pro-Khalistani demonstrations.
Misri emphasized that the UK had previously cooperated with India on this sensitive issue and expressed confidence that this spirit of cooperation would be sustained going forward.
Shared Perspectives on Global Conflicts and Indo-Pacific
Beyond the issue of extremism, the two leaders also deliberated on key global security challenges and regional conflicts, including:
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The Indo-Pacific region, where both India and the UK support a free, open, and rules-based order
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The ongoing war in Ukraine, where Modi reiterated India’s call for a diplomatic resolution and respect for sovereignty
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The volatile situation in West Asia, where both countries support the early restoration of peace and stability
Modi underlined that the present global environment demands a commitment to development over expansionism, a message likely aimed at assertive powers engaging in territorial aggression.
“Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations is essential. Today’s era demands development, not expansionism,” he said, reinforcing India’s consistent foreign policy stance amid geopolitical turbulence.
India-UK Pact to Tackle Organised Crime and Corruption
A key outcome of the bilateral engagement was the signing of an agreement between India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA). According to Foreign Secretary Misri, this collaboration will focus on tackling:
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Corruption
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Serious financial fraud
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Organised transnational crime