The issue of Khalistani extremism was raised during Thursday’s discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart, Keir Starmer. The meeting was held at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai as part of the British leader’s first official visit to India.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the Prime Minister stressed that radicalism and violent extremism should not be “allowed to use or abuse” the freedoms provided by societies.
“Khalistani extremist issue was discussed during the meeting held today between PM Modi and PM Starmer. The PM emphasised that radicalism & violent extremism had no space in democratic societies & should not be allowed to use or abuse the freedoms provided by societies, and there was a need to move against them in the legal framework available on both sides,” Misri told the media.
Apart from Khalistani extremism, both leaders discussed several other issues focused on trade, technology cooperation, and strategic ties between the two nations.
Cultural Performance Highlights India-UK Ties
The meeting also featured an unexpected musical performance. Musicians performed a rendition of Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh’s hit single Sapphire, which Prime Minister Modi described as “a great example of India-UK cultural partnership.”
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“It was a delight to welcome my friend, PM Keir Starmer, at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. Being his first visit to India, it is surely a special occasion. The presence of the largest business delegation to India makes it even more special and illustrates the strong potential of India-UK ties,” PM Modi wrote on X.
