India on Wednesday conveyed its concerns on the misuse of the United Kingdom's asylum status by the pro-Khalistani elements to aid and abet terrorist activities in India. During the 5th India-UK Home Affairs Dialogue (HAD) held in New Delhi, the Indian side also emphasised its concerns over the breach of security of the Indian High Commission in London.
“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 UK and increased monitoring of UK based Pro-Khalistan extremists and take appropriate proactive action,” the home ministry said in a statement.
The Indian delegation was led by Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla and the UK delegation was headed by Permanent Secretary, Home Office, Matthew Rycroft.
Both sides reviewed the ongoing cooperation and identified further steps to be taken to explore opportunities and synergies in advancing cooperation in counter-terrorism, cyber security and global supply chains, drug trafficking, migration, extradition, anti-India activities in UK including pro-Khalistan extremism among other issues.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the ongoing partnership and agreed to deepen bilateral engagement and maintain the momentum for enhanced security cooperation, the MHA said.
Last month, India had summoned a senior UK diplomat in Delhi to seek explanation after the Indian High Commission was attacked by a group of pro-Khalistan activists. The tricolour flying atop the high commission building was pulled down by the protesters who also tried to hoist a Khalistan flag.
