- Thursday, February 27, 2025
The British mission in India said the £95,000 investment will enhance the government’s understanding of the threat posed by “pro-Khalistan extremism”, complementing the joint work already underway between the two countries.
By: Shubham Ghosh
BRITISH security minister Tom Tugendhat has announced a new funding of £95,000 to enhance his country’s capability to tackle “pro-Khalistan extremism”. The British high commission in India said this in a readout on Tugendhat’s three-day visit to the south Asian nation that kicked off on Thursday (10).
The British minister is in India to bolster cooperation on security initiatives and attend the G20 anti-corruption ministerial meeting.
It was a pleasure to meet Minister of External Affairs Dr Jaishankar.
We strongly agree on the importance of proactively tackling violent extremism – whatever form it takes.
I look forward to working closely with him to combat the full range of threats we face.
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— Tom Tugendhat (@TomTugendhat) August 10, 2023
The announcement comes amid growing concerns in India over increasing activities of pro-Khalistani elements in the UK.
Great to discuss shared experiences of tackling extremism with our close friends and partners here in Delhi.
We’re stronger together.
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— Tom Tugendhat (@TomTugendhat) August 11, 2023
New Delhi lodged a strong protest after the Indian high commission was targeted by a pro-Khalistan mob in March with the Indian Tricolour being pulled down. Also in July, top Indian diplomats in the UK including the Indian high commissioner were threatened over the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
From the world’s oldest democracy to its largest.
It’s great to be back.
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— Tom Tugendhat (@TomTugendhat) August 10, 2023
“During a meeting with India’s external affairs minister, S Jaishankar, in New Delhi on Thursday, Tugendhat announced the new funding to enhance the UK’s capability to tackle Pro-Khalistan Extremism,” the high commission said.
After meeting Jaishankar, Tugendhat wrote on X (formerly called Twitter), “We strongly agree on the importance of proactively tackling violent extremism – whatever form it takes.”
The mission said the £95,000 investment will enhance the government’s understanding of the threat posed by “pro-Khalistan extremism”, complementing the joint work already underway between the UK and India through the joint-extremism task force.
“The living bridge between India and the UK reflects our deep and enduring friendship. As the world’s oldest and largest democracies, we have many shared opportunities to make the world a safer and more prosperous place,” Tugendhat said.
“A deeper partnership between our two nations means we can more effectively tackle the security threats we both face. I’m committed to working together to enhance our understanding of and capabilities against extremism –whatever form it takes,” he said.
The minister said he is delighted to be attending the G-20 meeting.
“Corruption also harms our prosperity, damages our society and threatens our national security. I am delighted to be attending the G20 anti-corruption ministerial meeting, presided over by India, to continue strengthening global resilience and cracking down on its corrosive influence,” he said.
Before travelling to Kolkata in the eastern state of West Bengal for the G20 meeting, which will take place on Saturday (12), Tugendhat is scheduled to visit the headquarters of India’s elite probe agency Central Bureau of Investigation to discuss joint challenges posed by child sexual exploitation and abuse, and fraud. He will also meet Indian national security adviser Ajit Doval, the high commission said.
(With PTI inputs)
