India Flags Khalistani Threat With UK Ahead Of PM Modi’s Visit, Seeks Extradition Of Fugitives

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his fourth official visit to the United Kingdom, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday outlined key concerns in the India-UK relationship. Addressing a special press briefing ahead of the visit, he expressed concern over the presence of Khalistani extremist elements in the UK, stressing the issue had been flagged with British authorities.

“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. This is a matter of concern not only to us but should be a matter of concern to our partners as well because this impacts social cohesion and social order in these other countries as well,” he said, as quoted by news agency ANI.

Responding to media queries, Misri said the matter of Indian fugitives residing in the United Kingdom had been actively discussed between both governments.

“There are a few questions related to fugitives from Indian law and justice in the UK. These have been a matter of discussion between both sides, and we continue to make the case for these fugitives to be rendered to India. Obviously, there is a legal process that such requests and such issues go through in the other country, and we continue to follow up very closely with our partners in the UK on these matters,” he said.

India Urges Balance On Energy Security Issues

Misri said both nations remain in close contact following the conclusion of talks on the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

“There was conversation on the sixth of May, between the Prime Minister Modi and the Prime Minister of the UK, where an announcement had been made that the two sides had concluded negotiations on Free Trade Agreement and other issues. Since then, the two sides have been in very close touch with each other…We will update you on the final details related to this at the appropriate time,” he said, as quoted by ANI.

The bilateral partnership, upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021, has since witnessed consistent high-level political exchanges. “This visit, though, a short one will give both leaders the opportunity to review the entire gamut of the bilateral relationship,” Misri noted.

Highlighting energy security as a key policy objective, Misri underlined that India expects a balanced and non-discriminatory approach to global energy concerns.

“We have been very clear that insofar as energy security is concerned, it is the highest priority of the government of India to provide energy security for the people of India, and we will do what we need to do with regard to that,” he said.

He also added, “It is important not to have double standards and to have a clear-eyed perception of what the global situation is insofar as the broader energy market is concerned… We do understand that there is an important and serious security issue that is confronting Europe, but the rest of the world is also there. It is also dealing with issues that are existential for the rest of the world, and I think it’s important to keep balance and perspective when talking about these issues.”

Modi’s visit to the United Kingdom is at the invitation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. His state visit to the Maldives will follow, at the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.

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