Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent UK visit encouraged the United Kingdom to crack down on pro-Khalistan extremist forces who exploit democratic liberties to challenge India’s sovereignty are a strong message with significant diplomatic and security consequences. Modi, while visiting the UK in late July 2025 and following his meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, underscored India’s interest in the increasing actions of Khalistani extremists in Britain, including violence and harassment of Indian diplomats and missions.
Accountability and the Democratic Freedom in check
Modi formally urged the UK government to see that democratic freedoms are not used by extremist groups to fuel separatism and spread violence. Those abusing democratic rights to undermine democracy “have to be held to account,” he stated. This message reflects India’s exasperation with what it perceives as the UK’s delayed action in curbing Khalistan-related militancy and extremist verbiage on British soil.
The implications of Modi’s statement include stronger diplomatic pressure on the UK to act decisively against these groups, balancing civil liberties with national security concerns. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism without double standards, with intelligence and law enforcement agencies pledging closer cooperation. The issue also dovetails with India’s broader demand for extradition of economic fugitives residing in the UK, signaling a tightening of India-UK security and legal collaboration.
High Internal Security stakes for India
For India, restraining Khalistan activism abroad is crucial to safeguarding its internal security and diplomatic interests, as the Khalistan movement remains linked to violent episodes and anti-India propaganda. Modi’s strong stance may prompt the UK to enhance surveillance, curb hate speech, and adopt stricter measures against extremist hate groups threatening diplomatic missions.
But to demand that such groups be held accountable will mean negotiating through the intricacies of UK’s democratic safeguards and community sensitivities. There is also continued objection to equating Khalistani separatism with other kinds of extremism, which New Delhi has objected to in earlier UK reports.
Overall, PM Modi’s statements have reinforced a strategic push for the UK to play a more active role in repressing Khalistan extremism on its soil. This could lead to closer bilateral cooperation on counterterrorism and intelligence sharing, as well as increased scrutiny over diaspora politics, reflecting the evolving challenges in India-UK relations regarding security and diaspora diplomacy.
