As India seeks deportation, UK minister discusses threat posed by pro-Khalistan extremism

Tribune News Service

Sandeep Dikshit

New Delhi, August 11

UK’s Security Minister Tom Tugendhat, on a visit to India, is scheduled to meet National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and announce a £ 95,000 investment to enhance London’s understanding of the threat posed by pro-Khalistan extremism. It would complement the joint work already under way between the UK and India through the Joint-Extremism Task Force.

India, on the other hand, wants strong action, including deportation against extremist elements, for threatening officers of the Indian High Commission in London.

Here to attend the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meeting, he met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday. “Discussed how India and the United Kingdom could make their partnership more contemporary and productive. The current global scenario offers many opportunities to develop our ties,” said Jaishankar on X.

The UK said the visit was meant to bolster bilateral cooperation on security initiatives. “A deeper partnership between our two nations means we can more effectively tackle the security threats we both face. I’m committed to working together to enhance our understanding of and capabilities against extremism – whatever form it takes,” said the minister in a UK High Commission statement.

“The living bridge between India and the UK” or the people-to-people ties have seen a point of concern in attacks by Indian-origin Khalistani separatists on the Indian High Commission in London in March and threats to the staff.                                                       

“The UK Government remains committed to working with the Government of India following the unacceptable attack. The security of the Indian High Commission and their staff are of utmost importance to the UK Government. We take the protective security of the Indian High Commission extremely seriously,” said the statement.

The high-level meetings that the UK minister is holding here are part of a continuing dialogue with London, Ottawa and Canberra as New Delhi seeks to ensure that its diplomats there do not function under the threat of violence. In fact, last month, Doval and Jaishankar had met their UK counterparts and urged them to take strong public action such as deportation against extremist elements for threatening officers of the Indian High Commission in the UK.

British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis said: “The unique connection between our people brings both huge opportunities and security challenges. Our migration and mobility relationship is a pillar of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which also includes ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, and tackling the biggest challenges facing the world around climate and health. This is a partnership for now, including India’s G20 Presidency, and for the future.”

“Through mechanisms like the Joint Extremism Task Force, we are acting jointly on countering threats, including pro-Khalistan extremism, as well as on migration, to keep our people safe,” said Ellis.

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