pro-Khalistani activities in UK, extradition of fugitives during PM Modi’s visit

During the visit, besides discussing the whole gamut of india/" class="ai-keyword-link" title="India to raise pro-Khalistani activities in UK, extradition of fugitives during PM Modi’s visit">India-UK ties with his British counterpart Keir Starmer, PM Modi is also expected to call upon King Charles III, officials said.
Misri said that the issue of Khalistani extremists and related groups is a matter of concern for India, and it has been brought to the attention of partners in the UK.

Discussions have also taken place between India and the UK regarding the extradition of fugitives to India, Misri 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 countries as well,” he said.

In response to a query on the issue of fugitives in the UK, including Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi, Misri 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 is a legal process that such requests, issues go through in the other country, and we continue to follow up very closely with our partners in the UK on these matters,” he said.

Misri also listed key areas of the India-UK bilateral cooperation, saying that the partnership has seen regular high-level exchanges across sectors such as trade, investment and defence.“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 countries as well,” he said.

In response to a query on the issue of fugitives in the UK, including Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi, Misri 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 is a legal process that such requests, issues go through in the other country, and we continue to follow up very closely with our partners in the UK on these matters,” he said.

Misri also listed key areas of the India-UK bilateral cooperation, saying that the partnership has seen regular high-level exchanges across sectors such as trade, investment and defence.Misri added, “In the defence sector, we are seeing regular interactions and exercises amongst all three branches of the armed forces.” The two PMs will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance.

On the Maldives visit, Misri said, “On the economic front, one recent development… is that both countries are in discussions to negotiate a free trade agreement and an investment treaty as well, and new areas of cooperation, including renewable energy, fisheries, etc., are also being worked on.”

“India is one of the largest trading partners of the Maldives. The bilateral trade is nearly worth $500 million, and Indian investors remain part of sectors such as tourism in the Maldives and other economic activities,” Misri added.