Modi urges British PM Rishi Sunak to take strong action against anti-India elements

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak over phone on Thursday and called for strong action against anti-India elements active in that country. Modi raised the issue of security of Indian diplomatic establishments in the UK.

“PM Rishi Sunak conveyed that the UK considers the attack on Indian High Commission totally unacceptable and assured of security of the Indian Mission and its personnel,” a PMO statement said.

During the conversation, Modi also raised the issue of economic offenders who have sought refuge in the UK and sought progress on the return of these fugitives so that they can appear before the Indian judicial system.

India is pursuing the extradition of beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya and fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi from the UK.

“The leaders reviewed the progress on a number of bilateral issues as part of the India-UK Roadmap 2030. They expressed satisfaction at the recent high-level exchanges and growing cooperation, particularly in trade and economic sectors. They agreed on the need for early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement between the two countries,” the PMO said.

Modi invited Sunak for the G20 Summit to be held in September 2023. The British PM appreciated the progress made under India’s Presidency of the G20 and reiterated the UK’s full support to India’s initiatives and their success.

During the 5th India-UK Home Affairs Dialogue (HAD) held in New Delhi on Wednesday, India had conveyed its concerns on the misuse of the United Kingdom's asylum status by the pro-Khalistani elements to aid and abet terrorist activities in India. 

Last month, India had summoned a senior UK diplomat in Delhi to seek explanation after the Indian High Commission was attacked by a group of pro-Khalistan activists. The tricolour flying atop the high commission building was pulled down by the protesters who also tried to hoist a Khalistan flag.