Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar’s visit to London included meetings with the newly appointed Home Secretary James Cleverly and National Security Adviser Tim Barrow on Khalistani separatist activity in the UK.
Jaishankar has since denied a recent report in The Guardian that claimed he put pressure on David Cameron, former British PM and the newly appointed UK Foreign Secretary, regarding information about Khalistani activists involved in protests near the Indian High Commission in London in March.
Jaishankar Denies Pressuring Cameron
Jaishankar told the Indian press corps on Wednesday that he had not raised the Khalistani issue with Cameron, whom he met on 13 November.
However, the EAM said he discussed the matter with James Cleverly, whom he met on 15 November. Jaishankar stated that during his discussion with Cleverly, he addressed “extremist” activity in the UK, as well as the security of India’s diplomats and the High Commission.
According to reports, Jaishankar’s conversation with Cameron centred on regional and global issues such as the Indo-Pacific, the situation in West Asia, and Ukraine.
Additionally, both leaders discussed “avenues to realise the full potential of India-UK partnership in avenues ranging from cooperation in political, economic and trade, defence and security, science and technology, innovation, health, education, people-to-people connections and mobility.”
London: EAM Jaishankar & UK's newly appointed foreign secretary David Cameron hold meeting; Discussed West Asia, Ukraine conflict & Indo Pacific. pic.twitter.com/727VvhKT4F
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) November 13, 2023
EAM Denounces Guardian Report
The Indian minister stated that the situation regarding Khalistani separatist activity was not static but rather a continuing issue with various dimensions, and that his government expected the UK to protect diplomatic missions and allow Indian diplomats to carry out their activities freely.
As per the report, Jaishankar supports the Indian National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) request for further information on individuals engaged in the violence.
Indian officials said the NIA has requested particular data about the suspects and their associates from authorities in the UK under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT).
India has issued 24 requests under the MLAT regarding “the organisers of the protest, their credentials, and their permissions,” sources confirmed. New Delhi believes there is a connection between the extremist activities and Pakistan’s intelligence agencies.
Under the MLAT, one country can contact the other and request cooperation in gathering evidence against the accused.
Based on video evidence, India believes that the protest was arranged by pro-Khalistan fanatics, some of whom ascended the Indian High Commission building and pulled down the Indian flag. The NIA has photographed some of the suspects.
EAM Jaishankar sums up his meetings with UK ministers; Mentions about meeting UK FS David Cameron & hear from him "commitment" for the relationship; Adds, "trying to reframe India UK ties" pic.twitter.com/MLM1BQuEpO
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) November 14, 2023
Jaishankar’s Visit to London
Jaishankar engaged in an official visit to the UK from 11 to 15 November 2023, meeting with PM Rishi Sunak and several other important leaders.
The EAM’s discussion with Defence Secretary Shapps focused on boosting defence and security cooperation, recognising that ‘Make in India’ offers various options for possible industrial partnerships with UK firms.
Jaishankar and NSA’s Tim Barrow also talked about recent developments in West Asia, the Indo-Pacific, and Russia-Ukraine. They highlighted the need for close cooperation in combating violent extremism and radicalism, and agreed to strengthen and broaden discussion on these and other shared concerns.
Per MEA’s statement, “the visit further consolidated the long-standing historical ties between the two countries and provided a new impetus to bilateral cooperation in diverse areas against the backdrop of progress on the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and Roadmap 2030.”