Sumana Das, Pune
On Thursday, United Kingdom Security Minister Tom Tugendhat announced a fund of about Rs. 1 Crore to tackle the increasing Pro-Khalistani activities in the UK. On his three-day visit to India, the British High Commission in India confirmed the statement on Friday.
Previously this year in March, New Delhi gave a strong reaction when the Indian Commission in London in under attack by some Khalistani extremists. In July, Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged the partner countries namely, Canada, The United States, Britain, and Australia not to spare the growing radicalism created by the Pro-Khalistani uniform.
As per the statement by the High Commission, the announcement came out after the meeting with the External Affairs Minister. Both parties discussed enhancing the countries’ bilateral cooperation in security initiatives.
The statement further added that the announced fund would help to uplift the UK government’s understanding of the possible threat caused by the Khalistani radicals. At the same time, both countries will work on their joint extremism taskforce to stop extreme activities.
As quoted by PTI, Tugendhat said, “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. ”
While discussing the statement, British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis added, “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.”
Ellis further mentioned that the relationship between India and the UK is a “pillar of our comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Currently, the Britain Security Minister is on a three-day tour to strengthen the bilateral security forces and also to attend the G20 anti-corruption Ministerial Meeting in Kolkata on 12 August. Before going to Kolkata, he will also meet the National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval.
The minister is eager to join the meeting.
“Corruption also harms our prosperity, damages our society, and threatens our national security. I am delighted to be attending the G-20 anti-corruption ministerial meeting, presided over by India, to continue strengthening global resilience and cracking down on its corrosive influence,” he said, as reported by PTI.
Tugendhat also has a scheduled visit to the Central Bureau of Investigation in Kolkata to talk about child sexual exploitation, abuse, and fraud cases.