EAM Jaishankar raises Khalistan challenge with UK leaders

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has raised India’s long-standing issues about pro-Khalistan extremism within the UK throughout his conferences with the nation’s prime leaders, stressing that they need to be on guard in opposition to the misuse of freedom of expression and speech.

Jaishankar concluded his five-day go to to the UK on Wednesday, which he described as “timely” after a sequence of cross-party engagements amid “substantial progress” on the continued free commerce settlement negotiations.

During his assembly with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Jaishankar conveyed finest needs on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sunak and Jaishankar expressed satisfaction at constructive momentum in enhancing the India-UK relationship as an essential think about addressing up to date challenges.

They additionally reviewed implementation of Roadmap 2030 and mentioned ongoing negotiations for a India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the Ministry of External Affairs stated in a press launch on Thursday.During a media interplay on the High Commission of India in London earlier than leaving, Jaishankar shared some insights from his discussions with the UK Cabinet ministers and Opposition leaders which coated an entire spectrum of worldwide and bilateral points.

India’s issues concerning pro-Khalistan extremism in relation to the security of its diplomats within the nation had been among the many subjects that got here up throughout his conferences with UK Home Secretary James Cleverly and National Security Adviser (NSA) Tim Barrow.

“We have long-standing concerns about extremist and sometimes even violent activities of various forces, including those who propagate Khalistan,” stated Jaishankar.

“We have been trying to get the government here to understand that while we as a fellow democracy certainly understand the importance of freedom of expression, and of speech, they should be on guard against the misuse of these freedoms,” he stated.

With reference to the violent protests at India House in March, he stated the “gravity of the situation is sharply recognised” and India’s expectation is that its diplomatic mission could be supplied requisite safety to conduct their actions in an unrestricted manner and there could be a “firm stance against the advocacy of violence and extremism”.

During his assembly with Home Secretary Cleverly, the 2 leaders “underscored the need for close collaboration on combating violent extremism and radicalism and agreed to deepen and expand dialogue on these and other shared concerns,” the MEA stated.

Asked if the upcoming 14th spherical of negotiations on the FTA is more likely to be the ultimate one, Jaishankar instructed reporters, “We have made substantial progress, but I don’t think it would be prudent of me to make predictions or to put timelines. I think both sides are very aware of the importance of the FTA and will make the utmost effort to get there. So, we have to take it as it happens.” As the primary minister to carry bilateral talks with the newly appointed UK Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, Jaishankar stated they coated a spread of regional points such because the Russia-Ukraine battle and in addition the Israel-Hamas battle in West Asia.

He additionally shared that Cameron introduced him with a cricket bat signed by each England and Indian cricket groups, a present he described as “very special”.

Earlier, throughout his assembly with Prime Minister Sunak at 10, Downing Street on Sunday, he had gifted the UK Prime Minister a cricket bat signed by batting legend Virat Kohli.

“Overall, I would say this visit was timely, and much needed because these personal interactions do a lot in really developing an understanding between countries. I was very satisfied, the British system made an effort to engage at all the relevant levels from the prime minister downwards, and that itself is a statement of the closeness of our ties today,” he stated.

Jaishankar additionally highlighted the bipartisan nature of the bilateral relationship, reflecting on his very wide-ranging discussions with Opposition Labour Party Leader Keir Starmer and shadow international secretary David Lammy.His closing engagement was an in-conversation session entitled ‘How a billion individuals see the world’ organised by Wilton Park on the Royal Over-Seas League in London throughout which he coated a broad vary of subjects, together with the “momentum” behind India’s development story, realities of the relations with China and the rise of a “more authentic” India.”?

The go to additional consolidated the long-standing historic ties between the 2 nations and supplied a brand new impetus to bilateral cooperation in numerous areas in opposition to the backdrop of progress on the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and Roadmap 2030,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated in a press launch.