UK Officials To Arrive In Delhi, Discuss ‘Evolution Of Khalistan Movement’ With Experts

Amid the ongoing tussle between India and the United Kingdom, a report surfaced on Thursday (13 April) which says that UK officials are set to arrive in Delhi to understand how the evolution of Sikh extremism in India.

The report published in The Print claims that the arrival of British officials could possibly be viewed as the UK’s attempt at 'damage control', given the strong reaction from India after the demonstration outside the Indian High Commission in the UK on 19 March.

A previous report published in the British newspaper Times even claimed that India has suspended further talks on the ongoing negotiations of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the UK citing laxity in actions against Khalistani extremism in the country.

However, the Indian government was quick to deny the reports’ claims and reiterated the commitment from both sides to wrapping up a trade deal. The next round of FTA talks is going to be held on 24 April this month.

Nonetheless, the Indian side has lodged strong protests with the UK over the issue and questioned the absence of security outside the Indian mission in London. India also reduced the security arrangements outside the UK High Commission in New Delhi’s Chanakyapuri area.

India also raised the issue of pro-Khalistan activities in the UK at the 5th India-UK Home Affairs Dialogue concluded on Wednesday (12 April). The Indian delegation, led by Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, flagged the misuse of asylum status by Khalistani elements to aid and abet terrorist activities in India.

Former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal told The Print that the upcoming interaction with experts can be seen as “damage control” only if there is a belief that the recent developments have “seriously damaged” ties between the two countries.

However, he went on to add that this could be a case of London trying to “temporise” the issue, given that the separatist Sikh lobby has “strong political links” in the UK establishment. “Yielding to India will open them to pressure on other issues including extradition,” he added.