Pro-Khalistan supporters protested in front of the Indian embassy in London last month- Image source Tribune India
The British government expressed during bilateral discussions between the Home Ministry of India and the UK Home Office in Delhi that the growing number of pro-Khalistan supporters in Britain provides them with a platform to lend support to terrorist activities in India.
New Delhi: India has raised concerns over potential misuse of the UK’s asylum policy by pro-Khalistan supporters amid the controversy surrounding the search for radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh.
The Indian government expressed during bilateral talks between the Home Ministry and its British counterpart, the UK Home Office, in Delhi that the growing base of pro-Khalistan supporters in Britain provides them with a platform to support terrorist activities in India.
India has requested increased monitoring of pro-Khalistan supporters based in the UK and proactive action against them. The recent breach of the Indian High Commission premises in London by pro-Khalistan supporters who were protesting against the search for Amritpal Singh was also discussed during the meeting, as per sources familiar with the matter.
“Many of those involved in vandalizing the Indian embassy in London have sought political asylum there. We raised this issue during the meeting,” said an Indian official who participated in the discussions, requesting anonymity.
In addition to addressing pro-Khalistan elements, both sides reviewed ongoing cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, cyber security, anti-drug trafficking, and extradition matters. The Indian delegation was led by Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, while Sir Matthew Rycroft, the Permanent Secretary of the Home Office, represented the British side.
Last month, pro-Khalistan supporters had pulled down the Indian flag outside the embassy in London and around 2,000 of them had gathered in front of the building, throwing ink, water bottles, and powdered colors at the police.
In response to the protests raised by India, the London Metropolitan Police took swift action by deploying a significant security presence, including mounted troops, to patrol the streets.
