PM Modi raises issue of security of Indian diplomatic establishments with UK PM Rishi Sunak

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak on Thursday. During the conversation, PM Modi raised the issue of security of Indian diplomatic establishments in the UK and called for strong action against anti-India elements. The two leaders also reviewed progress on a number of bilateral issues, particularly in the area of trade and economy.

The official release following the phonecall stated that the two leaders reviewed the progress on a number of bilateral issues as part of the India-UK Roadmap 2030. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the recent high-level exchanges and growing cooperation, especially in trade and economic sectors, and agreed on the need for early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement between the two countries. 

Raising the issue of security of Indian diplomatic establishments in the UK, PM Modi called for strong action against anti-India elements by the UK Government. And PM Rishi Sunak conveyed that the UK considers the attack on Indian High Commission totally unacceptable and assured of security of the Indian Mission and its personnel. 

PM Modi also raised the issue of economic offenders who have sought refuge in the UK. He sought progress on the return of these fugitives so that they can appear before the Indian judicial system. 

PM Modi invited PM Sunak for the G20 Summit to be held in September 2023, and PM Sunak appreciated the progress made under India’s Presidency of the G20 and reiterated the UK’s full support to India’s initiatives and their success.

After the interaction PM Modi tweeted: "Pleased to speak with UK PM @RishiSunak. Extended Baisakhi greetings to him, and new year greetings to the vibrant Indian community in the UK. We reviewed progress on a number of issues to further strengthen India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including FTA."

"We also agreed on the need to take strong action against anti-India elements and to ensure security of Indian diplomatic establishments in the UK. We also discussed the issue of economic offender," he added.

Khalistani supporters had attacked the Indian High Commission in London taking down the tricolour and replacing it with Khalistani flags. Several officials said that the 'attempted but failed' attack had been foiled as the Indian flag continues to fly proudly over the building. 

In the backdrop of this incident, reports emanated that the India-UK trade talks have been stalled, but Indian authorities were quick to dismiss them as baseless rumours.