Jaishankar concluded his five-day visit to Britain on Wednesday.
London:
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised the issue of Khalistan extremism in the country with leaders during his visit to Britain. Jaishankar also said that leaders should be vigilant against abuse of freedom of expression and speech. Jaishankar wrapped up his five-day visit to Britain on Wednesday, which he described as “timely” amid “significant progress” in the ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA).
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During his meeting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Jaishankar extended greetings on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sunak and Jaishankar expressed satisfaction at the positive momentum in enhancing India-UK relations as an important factor in addressing contemporary challenges. They also reviewed the implementation of Roadmap 2030 and discussed the ongoing negotiations for an India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release on Thursday.
Before his departure, Jaishankar briefed the media at the Indian High Commission in London about his talks with British cabinet ministers and opposition leaders. During Jaishankar’s meeting with UK Home Secretary James Cleverley and National Security Advisor (NSA) Tim Barrow, India’s concerns about the security of Indian diplomats amid pro-Khalistan extremism in the country were discussed.
“We have long been concerned about extremism and occasional violent activities by various forces, including those who support Khalistan,” the foreign minister said. “We are the government here,” Jaishankar said. We are trying to make them understand that being a democracy, we both certainly understand the importance of freedom of expression and speech and they should be careful about abuse of these freedoms.
With reference to the violent protests at India House in March, the foreign minister said, “the seriousness of the situation has been recognised” and India expects its diplomatic missions to be provided with the necessary security to carry out their functions. Do so without any hindrance, and will also take a ‘strong stance against advocacy of violence and extremism’.
Asked if the 14th round of talks on the FTA is likely to be decisive, the foreign minister said, “We have made enough progress, but I don’t think it would be right to predict or set a timeline. I think both sides are aware of the importance of the FTA and will make maximum efforts to achieve it.”
Jaishankar held bilateral talks with the newly appointed foreign minister of Britain, David Cameron. Jaishankar said the two foreign ministers discussed several regional issues, including the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflict. Jaishankar said that Cameroon gave him a bat with the signatures of the England and Indian cricket teams. Jaishankar described the gift as ‘very special’.
The External Affairs Minister met Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday and in the process presented Sunak with a bat signed by Virat Kohli. He said, “Overall I would say that this visit came at the right time and was much needed as such personal contacts prove to be very helpful in developing understanding between countries. I am extremely satisfied that the British system has made efforts to engage at all relevant levels. And this itself is proof of the closeness of our relationship.”
Jaishankar also spoke to opposition Labor Party leader Keir Starr and Foreign Office official David Lammy on various issues. “The visit further strengthened the long-standing historical relationship between the two countries and took a new step forward in bilateral cooperation in various fields against the backdrop of India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and progress on Roadmap 2030,” the Ministry of External Affairs said. said in a press release.