Jaishankar flags pro-Khalistan extremism during meeting with UK leaders: 'Misuse of freedom...'
Jaishankar said, "We have long-standing concerns about extremist and sometimes even violent activities of various forces, including those who propagate Khalistan." "We have been trying to get the government here to understand that while we, as a fellow democracy, certainly understand the importance of freedom of expression, and of speech, they should be on guard against the misuse of these freedoms," he was quoted by news agency PTI as saying. Jaishankar further referred to the violent protests at India House in March and said the “gravity of the situation is sharply recognised". He also spoke about the safety of Indian diplomats in the UK.
He reportedly said India expects that its diplomatic mission would be provided requisite protection to conduct their activities in an unrestricted way and there would be a “firm stance against the advocacy of violence and extremism". Meanwhile, Jaishankar and UK's Home Secretary Cleverly "exchanged views on addressing extremism, trans-border crimes including economic offences and trafficking," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release on Thursday. Jaishankar's statement came as India's diplomatic ties with Canada remains strained over the killing of pro-Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had alleged the involvement of India's "agents" in the killing of the Sikh separatist leader on the Canadian soil in June this year. Indian dismissed the allegations and called them “absurd". Jaishankar concluded his five-day visit to the UK on Wednesday.
He was on an official visit to the UK from November 11-15, 2023. He called on UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and held talks with his new counterpart, Foreign Secretary David Cameron. He also
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