Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation on April 13 with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak, and both leaders reviewed the progress on a number of bilateral issues as part of the India-UK Roadmap 2030.
In the first call since the vandalisation of the Indian High Commission in London, PM Modi raised the issue of security of Indian diplomatic establishments in the United Kingdom and called for strong action against Anti-India elements.
About the vandalism at the Indian High Commission last month, Sunak conveyed to PM Modi that the UK considers the attack “totally unacceptable” and assured him of the security of the Indian Mission and its personnel, the MEA statement said.
They expressed satisfaction at the recent high-level exchanges and growing cooperation, particularly in trade and economic sectors. They agreed on the need for an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement between the two countries.
PM Modi also raised the issue of economic offenders who have sought refuge in the UK. He sought progress on the return of these fugitives so that they could appear before the Indian judicial system.
This was in the context of India pursuing the extradition of businessman Vijay Mallya and fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi from the UK since the last few years.
PM Modi also conveyed his greetings to Rishi Sunak, who is of Indian origin, and to the Indian community in the UK on the eve of Baisakhi, according to the statement.
PM Modi invited PM Rishi Sunak to the G20 Summit to be held in September 2023. PM Rishi Sunak appreciated the progress made under India’s Presidency of the G20 and reiterated the UK’s full support to India’s initiatives and their success.
The UK-India bilateral ties became tense last month when protesters in London with Khalistan banners reportedly removed an Indian flag from the balcony of the High Commission during the protest.
British Foreign Minister James Cleverly had condemned the violence, but the tele call was the first official discussion between PM Modi and Rishi Sunak about the incident.
PM Modi conveyed greetings to PM Rishi Sunak and the Indian community in the UK on the eve of Baisakhi. The two leaders agreed to remain in contact.
In March, the Tricolour atop the Indian High Commission in London was grabbed at by a group of protesters waving separatist Khalistani flags and shouting pro-Khalistan slogans.
British PM Rishi Sunak and PM Modi held a bilateral meeting on November 16, 2022, in Nusa Dua, Indonesia. Both leaders are likely to meet during G7 Summit in Japan next month.
Indian officials conveyed concerns over pro-Khalistan groups to British counterparts during a meeting of interior ministry officials from both countries in New Delhi on April 12.
In the meeting, the Indian side requested better cooperation with Britain to tackle the misuse of the UK’s asylum status by the Pro-Khalistani elements to aid and abet terrorist activities in India and with UK.
It may be mentioned that after Rishi Sunak was elected UK PM in October 2022, PM Modi congratulated Rishi Sunak and said he looked forward to working closely together on global issues and implementing the Roadmap 2030 for bilateral relations.
PM Modi tweeted, “Warmest congratulations @RishiSunak! As you become [the] UK PM, I look forward to working closely together on global issues and implementing Roadmap 2030. Special Diwali wishes to the ‘living bridge’ of UK Indians, as we transform our historic ties into a modern partnership.”
The Roadmap 2030 for India-UK future relations was launched in 2021.
Rishi Sunak made history as Britain’s first Indian-origin Prime Minister after being elected unopposed as the new leader of the governing Conservative Party on Diwali as Penny Mordaunt withdrew from the race.
