PM Modi urges action against Khalistanis amid talks with UK PM Starmer
PM Modi urges action against Khalistanis amid talks with UK
PM Starmer
MEA said that the matter had previously been raised in discussions between the two leaders in July, and was flagged again during Thursday’s talks
The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that PM Modi urged UK PM Keir Starmer to initiate stringent action against Khalistani extremist elements within the ambit of law.
Briefing reporters, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the issue of Khalistani activities was discussed amidst
PM Modi’s recent meeting with Starmer, and that India reiterated its serious concerns over the activities of such groups abroad.
Misri went on to add that the Prime Minister emphasised that radicalism and violent extremism have no place in democratic societies and should not be allowed to misuse the freedoms these societies provide.
That there is a need to act against such elements strictly within the legal frameworks available to both sides and that the matter had earlier been raised in discussions amid the two leaders in July, and was flagged again in the midst of Thursday’s talks.
He also said both sides agreed on the importance of mutual cooperation and respect for legal processes in dealing with extremist activities that threaten social harmony and public safety.
Amidst July meeting, PM Modi conveyed a firm message to his UK counterpart, urging the British government to take decisive action against extremist ideologies that “misuse democratic freedoms to undermine democracy.”
The remarks came amid growing concerns over the influence of pro-Khalistan groups in the United Kingdom.
Speaking in London following the signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, PM Modi thanked Starmer and his government for strongly condemning the Pahalgam terror attack, stressing that both nations shared a unified stance on combating terrorism.
PM added that they express gratitude to
PM Minister Starmer and his government for their strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack. They are of one view that there should be no double standards in the fight against terrorism.
He further emphasised that extremist elements must not be allowed to exploit democratic rights for subversive activities.
Further adding the Indian government also agree that those with extremist ideologies cannot be permitted to misuse democratic freedoms. Anyone attempting to undermine democracy in the name of freedom must be held accountable.
Earlier this year, a leaked UK Home Office report had listed pro-Khalistan extremism among emerging threats in Britain.
However, the same report also mentioned Hindu nationalism as a potential concern — a comparison that drew strong criticism from India.
Responding to the report at the time, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the nature of separatist and extremist threats originating from the UK is well known. Such threats should neither be condoned nor falsely equated.”
News Edit KV Raman
