Modi flags pro-Khalistan activities in Britain, delay in extradition of fugitives

India on Thursday raised concerns around growing activities of pro-Khalistan elements on the British soil, besides seeking extradition of economic fugitives and “deriding double standards” on terrorism.

“We agree that forces with extremist ideologies must not be allowed to misuse democratic freedoms. Those who misuse democratic freedoms to undermine democracy itself must be held to account,” Modi said after meeting UK PM Keir Starmer at Chequers, the British premier’s residence, which is located around 50 km northwest of London.

Modi’s statement comes at a time when Khalistan supporters in the UK are continuing with their propaganda against India and resorting to violent acts, directed at the Indian Embassy in London.

In March 2023, Khalistani radicals attacked the Indian High Commission in London during a protest and even took down the Tricolour. In March this year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was heckled by pro-Khalistan supporters in London during his UK visit.

Starmer by his side, Modi also brought up the Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. He also thanked his UK counterpart for his strong condemnation of the attack.

“We are united in our view that there can be no place for double standards in the fight against terrorism,” said Modi.

The Prime Minister further flagged the issue of extradition of economic offenders wanted by the Indian law. “Our agencies will continue to work together in close coordination,” he stated.

Detailing the nuances of the bilateral meeting between the leaders, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said terrorism was a key topic in the talks between Modi and Starmer.

“PM Modi thanked UK PM Keir Starmer for supporting India after the Pahalgam attack. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fighting terrorism, extremism and radicalisation together,” Misri said, adding that the PM also sought the UK’s help in extraditing fugitives.

Referring to the activities of Khalistani radicals in the UK, Misri said, “We shared our thoughts and views regarding the activities of extremists, who remain active and threaten the safety and security of our diplomatic missions and personnel, inciting violence against our leaders and our diplomats…We have received cooperation from the UK on this matter."

India has repeatedly conveyed its frustration over the slow pace of fugitives’ extradition and the apparent leniency offered in the UK.

For New Delhi, this issue is not only about recovering billions in defrauded funds but also about demonstrating that economic fugitives cannot escape justice by fleeing abroad.

Several fugitives who have fled India — including Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi and Sanjay Bhandari — are in the UK.

The matter has been a diplomatic sticking point between the two nations, with India having assured the UK authorities of its commitment to upholding human rights and providing adequate prison conditions for extradited individuals, often a key concern in the UK court proceedings.

The two countries on Thursday also boosted criminal justice ties. Misri said the MoU between India’s CBI and the UK’s National Crime Agency aims to tackle corruption, serious fraud, and organised crime through closer cooperation.

Misri said India firmly opposed illegal migration and remains committed to working with the UK on repatriation of illegal immigrants.

Meanwhile, the two sides have elevated the strategic partnership, with both leaders unveiling the India-UK Vision 2035, said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

This roadmap sets a focused 10-year agenda across areas like economic growth, tech innovation, defence, climate action, education and cultural ties.

“In order to infuse higher ambition and renewed momentum into the comprehensive strategic partnership between the UK and India, both leaders today adopted the India-UK Vision-2035 document, which will steer the relationship for the next 10 years with a focused and time-bound program of action and initiatives in key pillars of bilateral action between the two countries such as economy and growth, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate action and clean energy, education and people to people ties,” Misri said.

India