The United Kingdom has pledged robust measures to bolster the security of the Indian High Commission in London, following a prior attack by pro-Khalistani groups, British Security Minister Tom Tugendhat announced.
Speaking in an interview with PTI during his recent visit to India, Tugendhat emphasised that the UK government is deeply committed to addressing India’s concerns over pro-Khalistani elements. He further reiterated the British stance against any forms of radicalisation, affirming, “Whenever there is radicalisation in the UK of UK citizens, this is a British problem.” The remarks came in the wake of an incident in March, where pro-Khalistani factions targeted the Indian High Commission, even removing the Indian national flag. The episode had led to a strain in the bilateral ties between India and the UK.
While in India from August 10-12 for the G-20 anti-corruption ministerial meeting in Kolkata, Tugendhat also engaged in discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Acknowledging the close cooperation between the two nations, he emphasised the UK’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Indian representatives in London.
Further solidifying their stance against extremist elements, the British Security Minister unveiled a new allocation of 95,000 pounds (approximately Rs 1 crore) to combat “pro-Khalistani extremism”.
Highlighting the expansive scope of security collaboration between the two nations, Tugendhat observed a significant potential for further strengthening ties, particularly in confronting challenges like terrorism, extremism, and cybercrime.
Elaborating on the profound people-to-people connection between India and the UK, he expressed concern over certain individuals exploiting these ties for malicious purposes.
On the topic of Indo-Pacific cooperation, Tugendhat emphasised the importance of balanced engagement, encompassing not just military but also technological and economic facets of security.
When questioned about the joint resolve of India and the UK outlined in Roadmap 2030 against global terrorist entities, Tugendhat chose not to provide a specific response, but highlighted existing collaborative efforts against shared threats.
The India-UK relationship had previously been elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021 during a virtual summit between the two nations, marking a strategic direction towards mutual growth and cooperation across various domains.
