New Delhi, Jul 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to raise India’s pressing concerns over cross-border terrorism, the activities of pro-Khalistani elements in the United Kingdom, and the long-pending extradition of fugitive billionaires during his upcoming talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday.
Modi will travel to London on Wednesday as part of a two-nation trip, with the primary focus on deepening bilateral ties and witnessing the signing of the long-anticipated India–UK free trade agreement. Following his UK visit, the Prime Minister will head to the Maldives.
Briefing the media on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the visit will provide a significant platform to address shared concerns, particularly the growing threat of terrorism. Misri highlighted the role of The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy group, in the recent Pahalgam terror attack, noting that the US has already designated the TRF as a global terrorist organisation.
“I am sure our UK colleagues are updated on this development, but this will give us the opportunity to share further views on issues such as cross-border terrorism and the need to respond in resolute fashion to such challenges,” Misri said.
On the issue of extraditing economic offenders like Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, and Lalit Modi, Misri confirmed that India continues to actively pursue their return. “These have been a matter of discussion between both sides, and we have continued to make the case for these fugitives to be rendered to India,” he said, adding that India respects the legal processes underway in the UK but remains firm in its follow-up.
Nirav Modi is wanted in India in connection with the USD 2 billion Punjab National Bank loan fraud. Vijay Mallya is accused of defaulting on loans worth ₹9,000 crore linked to Kingfisher Airlines, while Lalit Modi faces charges under money laundering and FEMA violations.
India is also expected to raise the issue of pro-Khalistan activities on British soil. “The presence of Khalistani extremists and their associated networks is a matter of deep concern,” said Misri. “We have conveyed our concerns to the UK and will continue to do so. This not only affects India but also threatens social cohesion in the UK.”
This will be Modi’s fourth official visit to the UK as Prime Minister, following trips in 2015, 2018, and 2021 (for the COP26 summit in Glasgow). His discussions with Starmer are expected to cover the full spectrum of bilateral relations under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2021.
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