The Indian Prime Minister has urged UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to take decisive action against anti-India campaigners in the UK advocating for Khalistan, a separate state for Sikhs, according to a statement from Narendra Modi’s office.
Sunak and Modi had a phone conversation on Thursday. They discussed an incident where pro-Khalistan Sikhs replaced the Indian flag with the Khalistani flag at the Indian High Commission in London. The Indian government had requested that the UK government increase surveillance of UK-based Khalistan movement supporters following a security breach at the high commission three weeks prior.
Before Modi’s call to Sunak, Indian authorities had asked the UK government to keep an eye on groups like Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), which India claims is responsible for radicalizing and mobilizing thousands of Sikhs through Khalistan Referendum voting in Western countries.
In a statement, Modi’s office said the Indian Prime Minister called for strong action against anti-India elements and protection of Indian diplomatic establishments in the UK. Sunak assured Modi of the security of the Indian mission and its staff, condemning the attack as unacceptable.
A Downing Street spokeswoman confirmed that the two leaders discussed a potential UK-India free trade agreement and instructed their teams to expedite progress in resolving outstanding issues. The recent events in London have increased tensions between the two countries, prompting the Indian government to remove security from the British High Commission in New Delhi and suspend crucial trade talks.
During the 5th India-UK Home Affairs Dialogue in New Delhi, the Indian side expressed concerns about the misuse of the UK’s asylum status by pro-Khalistan elements and requested better cooperation with the UK. The Indian government identified SFJ and several other UK-based groups as needing monitoring due to their sizable Sikh following.
The Indian authorities informed the UK delegation that Khalistan Referendum voting initiated by SFJ began in UK cities and was not halted despite multiple requests from the Indian government. India has also protested with the Canadian and Australian governments, asking them to shut down Khalistan Referendum voting by SFJ. Still, both countries claimed they could not ban the democratic activity.
