New Delhi: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval held talks with his British counterpart Tim Barrow on the rise of pro-Khalistan activities in the UK. Barrow is in India for the G-20 Sherpas Meet being held in Kerala. India had on March 19 summoned the senior British envoy over the rise in Khalistani activities in the UK.
India had then sought an explanation from the British embassy on how separatists and radical elements were allowed to enter the Indian High Commission in London and why British security personnel were not present there at that time.
Pertinently, these elements had removed the tricolor on the High Commission building and hoisted the Khalistani flag there. Doval had met Barrow in London on his way back from the US in February. Incidentally, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was also present at the meeting.
Earlier, a small group of protesters, holding pro-Khalistan placards and banners, staged a protest outside the Indian High Commission here. A large number of security personnel were also present outside the mission on the occasion.
Downing Street said British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is aware of the whole issue and the UK Foreign Office is deliberating on the “security review” of the Indian High Commission in London.
Asked if the issue would have any impact on the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a Downing Street spokesperson said, “These two issues have nothing to do with each other and negotiations on a trade agreement with India will continue.” As far as security is concerned, we have expressed our concern about what we have seen outside the Indian High Commission and the security arrangements are being monitored.”