Terrorism and Trust: The Real Test of UK-India Ties

24/07/2025

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a critical two-nation diplomatic tour, the first leg of which includes high-level discussions with UK Prime Minister KeirStarmer, expectations are rightfully high. While trade and economic ties-particularly the long-anticipated India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA)-will understandably dominate headlines, it is imperative that equally pressing concerns like cross-border terrorism, pro-Khalistani extremism in the UK, and the extradition of fugitive economic offenders receive urgent and undivided attention.India has long suffered from the scourge of cross-border terrorism, a challenge that continues to destabilize regional peace and security. The recent attack in Pahalgam, carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF)-a known proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba-has underscored this persistent threat. The United States' designation of TRF as a foreign terrorist organization is a welcome step, but international consensus and coordinated action remain crucial.
The UK, as a longstanding democratic ally and a global voice in counterterrorism efforts, must recognize its role in not just condemning but actively combating such entities. The Modi-Starmer talks should include concrete mechanisms for intelligence sharing, financial surveillance of terror networks, and deeper cooperation within international forums to pressurize state sponsors of terrorism.Another urgent issue requiring British introspection is the unchecked rise of pro-Khalistani elements operating within the UK. These groups not only threaten India's internal security but also strain diplomatic relations. While freedom of speech and assembly are democratic cornerstones, they should not become a cover for hate speech, violent propaganda, or attacks on diplomatic missions-events we have sadly witnessed in London.
India must urge the UK to act decisively against radicalized individuals and groups using British soil to incite violence or separatism in Punjab. Stronger enforcement of anti-terror laws and closer scrutiny of diaspora networks that cross the line from activism to extremism are essential steps.Lastly, justice delayed remains justice denied in the matter of fugitive economic offenders like Vijay Mallya, NiravModi, and LalitModi. Their continued presence in the UK sends the wrong message about the sanctity of the rule of law and the accountability of white-collar crime. Despite repeated assurances and legal processes, these individuals continue to elude Indian justice, testing the resilience of bilateral trust.
It is crucial that Modi's team places renewed emphasis on expediting these extraditions. The UK must demonstrate that it does not serve as a safe haven for financial criminals fleeing accountability.The Modi-Starmer meeting comes at a pivotal time. As both countries look to redefine their post-Brexit and post-pandemic global roles, there lies a real opportunity to recalibrate ties not just economically, but strategically. Security, sovereignty, and justice must be the pillars of this renewed relationship.To ignore the issues of terrorism, extremism, and criminal extradition would be to undermine the very foundations of the democratic values both nations claim to uphold. It is time for words to turn into action-and for the UK to prove that it is not just a trade partner, but a true strategic ally.

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