Terrorism, pro-Khalistan activities in Britain likely to be discussed in Modi-Starmer talks

Public Lokpal
July 23, 2025

New Delhi: Issues such as the challenge of cross-border terrorism facing India, activities of pro-Khalistan elements in Britain and the extradition of some billionaire fugitives may figure prominently in the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer on Thursday.

In the first leg of his two-nation visit, Modi will go to London on Wednesday, where he will mainly consider measures to further strengthen bilateral relations and witness the signing of the ambitious India-UK free trade agreement. After the visit to Britain, Modi will go to Maldives.

In a press conference here on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that Modi's visit will be an opportunity to share views on issues like cross-border terrorism and consider the need to respond firmly to such challenges.

Responding to a question, the Foreign Secretary also referred to the role of The Resistance Force (TRF), a front organisation of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, in carrying out the Pahalgam attack.

He noted that the US State Department has recently designated TRF as a foreign terrorist organisation.

"I am sure our British colleagues are aware of this development but this will provide us an opportunity to further share views on issues such as cross-border terrorism and the need to respond firmly to such challenges," Misri said.

Asked whether the Indian side would raise the issue of extradition of fugitives like Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi, the Foreign Secretary said it has been a subject of discussion between the two sides. He said, "These have been a matter of discussion between the two sides and we are continuously making efforts to hand over these fugitives to India."

He said, "There is a legal process for such requests and such issues in the other country, and we remain in touch very closely with our partners in the UK on these matters."

Responding to a question, the Foreign Secretary also mentioned the role of The Resistance Force (TRF), a front organisation of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, in carrying out the Pahalgam attack.

He mentioned that the US State Department has recently declared TRF as a foreign terrorist organisation.

Misri said, 'I am sure that our British colleagues are aware of this development, but this will give us an opportunity to further share views on issues like cross-border terrorism and the need to respond firmly to such challenges.'

When asked whether the Indian side would raise the issue of extradition of fugitives like Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi, the Foreign Secretary said that this has been a matter of discussion between the two sides. He said, 'These have been a matter of discussion between the two sides and we are constantly trying to hand over these fugitives to India.'

He said, 'There is a legal process for such requests and such issues in another country, and we maintain very close contact with our partners in Britain on these matters.'

The Foreign Secretary also indicated that India could raise the issue of activities of Khalistani extremists in Britain. He said, 'We have once again brought the issue of the presence of Khalistani extremists and their close organizations to the attention of our partners in Britain.'

Misri said, 'We will continue to do so. This is not only a matter of concern for us, but it should also be a matter of concern for our partners, as it affects social harmony and social order in other countries as well.

PTI