United Kingdom's Security Minister Tom Tugendhat announced a new funding of 95,000 pounds (around Rs 1 crore) to increase Britain's capability to tackle "pro-Khalistan extremism". The British High Commission informed about the decision in a statement on Tugendhat's three-day visit to India that began on Thursday. The announcement comes amid concerns in India over activities of pro-Khalistani elements in the UK. Earlier in March, New Delhi reacted sharply after some Khalistani elements attacked the Indian High Commission in London. In July, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India has requested "partner countries" like Canada, the United States, the UK, and Australia not to give space to Khalistanis.
Tugendhat held a bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to enhance bilateral cooperation on the security initiatives of the two countries.
"During a meeting with India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, in New Delhi on Thursday, Minister Tugendhat announced new funding to enhance the UK's capability to tackle Pro-Khalistan Extremism," the high commission said on Friday, as quoted by news agency PTI.
According to the statement, the 95,000-pound investment looks to boost the UK government's understanding of the threat posed by "pro-Khalistan extremism" while the work between the UK and India through their joint extremism task force is already underway.
"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 added, as quoted by PTI.
On this matter, British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis said, "Through mechanisms like the Joint Extremism Task Force we are acting jointly on countering threats, including pro-Khalistan extremism, as well as on migration, to keep our people safe."
According to him, the migration and mobility relationship between the UK and India is a "pillar of our comprehensive strategic partnership" that also includes a free and open Indo-Pacific along with tackling the biggest challenges facing the world around climate and health.
After the attack on the Indian High Commission in London, British officials have maintained that the security of the building and its staff is of utmost importance to the UK government.
G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meeting
The minister also spoke about the G20 anti-corruption ministerial meeting as he said: "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."
The G20 meeting will take place in Kolkata on Saturday. Ahead of the meeting, the UK Security minister will also visit the headquarters of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to discuss joint challenges of child sexual exploitation and abuse as well as fraud.
As per the UK high commission, he will be meeting National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.