India raises Khalistan issue with British PM Johnson, both sides to boost ties

New Delhi: India, on Friday, April 22, raised the issue of Khalistan with British PM Boris Johnson.

After New Delhi flagged off the contentious matter at the bilateral talks, the visiting dignitary said the United Kingdom is sensitive to India’s concerns and “there will be zero tolerance to this issue”.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla stated this at a special briefing in New Delhi.

He said, “India welcomes the UK joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative under the maritime security pillar and agreed to cooperate closely in this region towards their shared commitment.”

Mr Shringla said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart also discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“PM Modi expressed deep concern over the situation and mounting humanitarian crisis. Mr Modi also reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of violence and conveyed strong advocacy for a peaceful resolution of the situation,” the Foreign Secretary said.

The two sides also held discussions on the ongoing Free Trade Agreement negotiations.

“Both sides agreed to enhance corporation in energy, green hydrogen, trade, defence,” Mr Shringla said.

The Foreign Secretary said the issue of ‘economic offenders’ was discussed during the bilateral talks.

“We have been pursuing this matter for some time at different levels with the UK. Our objective is to bring back those economic fugitives who’re wanted in India to face justice in the country,” he said, adding that the matter was discussed during the bilateral talks.

Meanwhile, in a Joint Statement, both the Prime Ministers “expressed satisfaction” at the progress in implementing the ambitious Roadmap 2030 for India-UK future relations.

They also appreciated the regular review of the same by External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and U K Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss.

“They further mandated their teams to identify high-impact projects for time-bound implementation in each of the pillars of the Roadmap. Both leaders also expressed their desire to steer bilateral relations towards a Vision 2047 for shared security and prosperity of their people and the planet,” said Shringla.