India sets tone for PM Modi’s UK visit as it flags Khalistan issue to London

India has set the tone for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s UK visit as Foreign secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday said New Delhi has flagged the issue of Khalistani extremists and related groups to its partners in London adding that “it’s a matter of concern not only to us, but should be a matter of concern to our partners as well".

Misri, while briefing the reporters on the Modi’s visit to the UK and Maldives said, “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 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 added.

He also confirmed that India and the UK have been in talks regarding the extradition of fugitives wanted by Indian law enforcement agencies.

He said, “There have been a few questions fugitives related to Indian law and justice in the UK. These have been a matter of discussion between both sides and we have continued to make the case for these fugitives to be rendered to India."

“There is a legal process that such requests, issues go through in the other country and we continue to follow very closely with our partners in the UK on these matters," he said.

These comments come months after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was heckled by pro-Khalistan supporters during his visit to the UK in March this year.

Protesters were seen waving flags and shouting slogans outside Chatham House, where he was attending an event.

On PM Modi’s upcoming visit, Misri said it will be a short but significant one. “This visit, though a short one, will give both leaders the opportunity to review the entire gamut of the bilateral relationship."

He also spoke about the strength of India-UK ties, saying, “The India-UK partnership, as you’re aware, was upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2021 and since then, has seen regular high level political exchanges, and both sides remain committed to taking this partnership to even higher levels, apart from the summit level, engagements."

PM Modi’s UK visit is at the invitation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while his state visit to the Maldives will take place at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. The two-nation visit begins tomorrow and will culminate on July 26.

India