Pro-Khalistan Extremists (PKE) in the United Kingdom (UK) are growing increasingly active and threatening Indian diplomats and missions, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told a special briefing in London at the conclusion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit late in the evening.
"We've noted the fact that they are increasingly active, have in the past, and continue to threaten the safety and security of our diplomatic missions and personnel inciting violence against our leaders and against our diplomats," Misri said.
He said that the Khalistan issue was discussed between PM Modi and the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during their leadership talks at 10, Downing Street.
"And I would say that we have received cooperation as well on these matters and including during this specific visit we have received cooperation from our UK partners on addressing these issues. I'm sure that this will continue in the future," he said.
Misri said that PM Modi also sought Starmer's cooperation in bringing to justice economic offenders and fugitives from India law, who had fled to the UK after duping Indian banks of millions of dollars
The Foreign Secretary said that both the governments have inked a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the National Crime Agency in order to combat serious fraud and organised crime.
At the same time, PM Modi also raised the issue of terrorism and radicalisation with the UK PM, stating that these issues posed a "threat" to both societies and there was a need to increase bilateral cooperation in the domains.
"Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Starmer for the strong support and solidarity extended by the United Kingdom to the people of India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack," Misri said.
PM Modi concluded his official visit to the UK on Thursday evening after talks with Starmer and calling on British Monarch King Charles III. Both the countries inked a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which would allow duty-free access to 99% of Indian goods entering the UK.