Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United Kingdom beginning tomorrow, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India has brought Khalistani extremists’ issue to the attention of partners in the UK.
Mr Modi will embark on a four-day official visit to the United Kingdom and Maldives from July 23 to 26, marking a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at bolstering strategic partnerships and regional cooperation.
The prime minister’s visit to the UK is scheduled for July 23–24.
Addressing a special briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on the prime minister’s visit to United Kingdom and Maldives, the foreign secretary on Tuesday said, “The issue of the presence of Khalistani extremists, bodies close to these people, is something that we have brought to the attention of our partners in the UK. We will continue to do so.”
“This is a matter of concern not only to us but should be a matter of concern to our partners as well because this impacts social cohesion and social order in these other countries as well,” he said.
Responding to a media query on the issue of fugitives in the UK, Misri said discussions have also taken place between India and the UK regarding the extradition of fugitives to India.
He further said that there is a legal process to such requests regarding fugitives related to Indian law and India is working “very closely” with the UK on this issue.
“There have been a few questions related to fugitives related to Indian law and Indian justice, in the UK. These have been a matter of discussion between both sides and we have continued to make the case for these fugitives to be rendered to India. There is a legal process that such requests, issues go through in the other country, and we continue to follow very closely with our partners in the UK on these matters,” Misri said.