India raises concerns on misuse of UK’s asylum status by pro-Khalistani elements

India expressed concern on Wednesday about pro-Khalistani elements abusing the UK’s asylum status to aid and abet terrorist activities in India and asked for better cooperation with the UK. India also requested improved cooperation with the UK, as well as increased monitoring of Pro-Khalistan extremists in the UK, as well as appropriate proactive action.

Earlier today, during the 5th India-UK Home Affairs Dialogue in New Delhi, India expressed its concern about the breach of security at the Indian High Commission in London. The Indian delegation was led by Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, while the UK delegation was led by Sir Matthew Rycroft, Permanent Secretary, Home Office. Other senior officials from both countries also attended the meeting.

Both parties reviewed ongoing cooperation and identified additional steps that can be taken to explore opportunities and synergies in advancing cooperation in counter-terrorism, cyber security and global supply chains, drug trafficking, migration, extradition, and anti-India activities in the United Kingdom, including Pro-Khalistan Extremism, among other issues.

“The Indian side specifically conveyed its concerns on the misuse of UK’s asylum status by the Pro-Khalistani elements to aid and abet terrorist activities in India and requested better cooperation with the UK and increased monitoring of UK-based Pro-Khalistan Extremists and take appropriate proactive action. India’s concerns over the breach of security of the Indian High Commission were also emphasized,” a statement issued from the Ministry of Home Affairs said.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the ongoing partnership and agreed to deepen bilateral engagement and keep the momentum for enhanced security cooperation between the two countries going. After pro-Khalistan protestors took down the Indian flag at the high commission in London last month, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the UK deputy high commissioner. Pro-Khalistan organisations were protesting the Punjab police’s crackdown on Sikh hardliner Amritpal Singh.