In a high-level meeting held on July 7, 2023, between the National Security Advisors of India and the United Kingdom, Ajit Doval and Tim Barrow, respectively, raised concerns over the Khalistani terror elements threatening officials of the Indian High Commission in the UK.
Barrow is on a visit to New Delhi at the invitation of NSA Ajit Doval. He is the senior British official to visit India since the Khalistani supporters and groups launched a poster campaign threatening senior Indian diplomats and unveiled plans for a so-called “Kill India Rally” on July 8, 2023.
India called upon the British government to take decisive action against the Khalistan terrorists, including deportation or legal prosecution, to safeguard the diplomatic staff. The meeting was a part of the India-UK Strategic Dialogue aimed at strengthening cooperation in addressing violent extremism and radicalism.
During the meeting, India emphasised that extremism and radicalisation have no place in democratic societies, and both nations agreed to work closely on counter-terrorism, ending terror financing, internet misuse for terrorist activities, counter-radicalisation and illicit drug trafficking.
The cooperation also extends to collaboration in critical and emerging technologies and promotes mutually beneficial ties. Ajit Doval and his counterpart engaged in restricted discussions on regional and global issues of mutual interests.
They reviewed the multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries and explored opportunities for future technology collaborations The visit highlighted the ongoing dialogue between the NSAs and reinforced the robust bilateral regional and global agenda.
The meetings follow multiple recent incidents where the pro-Khalistani terrorist groups have incited violence against Indian diplomats through posters in several countries, including the US, Canada, Australia and the UK.
Ahead of a scheduled rally by these groups on July 8, 2023, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed its concern and urged partner nations not to provide space to the Khalistani terror elements that advocate violence.
On July 6, 2023, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “We have taken up the latest issue of threats against our diplomats with the UK authorities. We have noted the comments made by the British Foreign Secretary, but we will naturally judge them by what happens on the ground.”
Notably, on July 6, 2023, pro-Khalistani elements and individuals trespassed into the Indian High Commission in London, removing the Indian Flag while waving the Khalistani flags. The Indian government has condemned this incident and has demanded an explanation by British authorities for their apparent failure to ensure the security of diplomatic premises and personnel.
India has constantly raised this issue with partner countries, and in June 2023, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar warned that giving space to the Khalistani elements would impact the bilateral relations between countries and India. He also affirmed raising the issue with Canada, the US, the UK and Australian governments.
The recent meetings between the NSA of both countries, India and the United Kingdom, demonstrate the commitment of both nations to combat terrorism, enhancing security linkages and fostering deeper cooperation in critical areas. It highlights the shared determination to address the menace of Khalistani terrorism and ensure the safety of diplomatic missions and personnel.
According to a second person from the UK Embassy, the Indian side has been perturbed by the response of authorities in Canada and the UK to activities of Khalistani elements. “The possibility of violence during the upcoming rally can’t be ignored or ruled out,” he said.
After the UK Embassy incident, India lodged a strong complaint and protest with the UK and Delhi Police registered an FIR over a crime committed abroad. The case was then transferred to and handed over to the National Investigative Agency (NIA) of India.
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