During a meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S.
Jaishankar, in New Delhi on Thursday (10 August), Minister
Tugendhat announced new funding to enhance the UK’s capability to
tackle Pro-Khalistan Extremism.
The £95,000 investment will enhance the government’s
understanding of the threat posed by Pro-Khalistan Extremism,
complementing the joint work already underway between the UK and
India through the Joint-Extremism Task Force.
Security Minister, , said:
The living bridge between India and the UK reflects our deep and
enduring friendship. As the world’s oldest and largest
democracies, we have many shared opportunities to make the world
a safer and more prosperous place.
A deeper partnership between our two nations means we can more
effectively tackle the security threats we both face. I’m
committed to working together to enhance our understanding of and
capabilities against extremism – whatever form it takes.
Corruption also harms our prosperity, damages our society and
threatens our national security. I am delighted to be attending
the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial meeting, presided over by
India, to continue strengthening global resilience and cracking
down on its corrosive influence.
Before travelling to Kolkata for the G20 Anti-Corruption
Ministerial, which will take place on 12 August, Minister
Tugendhat will visit the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to
discuss joint challenges posed by child sexual exploitation and
abuse, and fraud. He will also meet with the Indian National
Security Advisor, Ajit Doval.
The UK Government recently launched a Fraud Strategy, which
includes a new National Fraud Squad who will work with local
forces, international partners – including the CBI – and the UK
Intelligence Community to ensure that callous fraud cells are
shut down.
At the G20, Minister Tugendhat will emphasise the UK’s unwavering
commitment to fighting corruption, which undermines national
security and global prosperity.
The G20 discussion will compliment work already underway by the
UK Government to deliver a new UK Anti-Corruption Strategy.
British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis said:
The unique connection between our people brings both huge
opportunities and security challenges. Through mechanisms like
the Joint Extremism Task Force we are acting jointly on
countering threats, including pro-Khalistan extremism, as well as
on migration, to keep our people safe.
Our migration and mobility relationship is a pillar of our
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which also includes ensuring
a free and open Indo Pacific, and tackling the biggest challenges
facing the world around climate and health. This is a partnership
for now, including India’s G20 Presidency, and for the future.
Further information
-
was appointed Minister of
State (Minister for Security) on 6 September 2022 and attends
cabinet. He previously served as the Chair of the Foreign
Affairs Select Committee from 2017 to 2022
- the UK-India Home Affairs cooperation spans a range of
critical areas, including extremism and counter terrorism,
corruption, fraud, cyber, public safety and migration
- the investment relationship between the UK and India already
supports over half-a-million jobs across both economies and we
are working to further strengthen our trade ties. Total trade in
goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and
India was £36.3 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q1
2023
- today (Friday 11 August), Minister Tugendhat will meet
India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, to discuss global
security and outcomes from the Joint Extremism Taskforce held
early this month
- the £95,000 PKE investment will further enhance the UK
government’s understanding of the threat posed by Pro-Khalistan
Extremism, improving its ability to identify and disrupt
extremist narratives and activity. This complements the joint
working already underway between the UK and India through the
Joint-Extremism Task Force
- the UK government remains committed to working with the
Government of India following the unacceptable attack against the
Indian High Commission in London in March 2023. The security of
the Indian High Commission and their staff, are of utmost
importance to the UK Government. We take the protective security
of the Indian High Commission extremely seriously
- the Joint Extremism Task Force focuses on enhancing UK-India
cooperation on tackling extremism, ensuring that all possible
actions are taken against groups and individuals seeking to
incite violent extremism, or who are involved in the financing of
it
