The £95,000 Pro-Khalistan Extremism (PKE) investment announced recently is aimed at further enhancing the UK government’s understanding of the threat posed by PKE, and improving its ability to identify and disrupt extremist narratives and activity. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said the latest investment complements the joint working already underway between the UK and India through the Joint-Extremism Task Force.
It was the central message of UK Security Minister Tom Tugendhat’s visit to India last week for the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meeting. He unveiled the funding during his meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, in New Delhi.
Tugendhat said: “I’m committed to working together to enhance our understanding of and capabilities against extremism – whatever form it takes.”
British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis added: “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.”
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.
The latest PKE focussed action follows an attack on the High Commission of India in London in March, when pro-Khalistani extremists vandalised the premises and hurt officials. The UK government reiterated its commitment to work with Indian government following the “unacceptable attack”.
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 FCDO noted.
While in India, Tugendhat also attended the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial in Kolkata and emphasised the UK’s “unwavering commitment” to fighting corruption, which undermines national security and global prosperity.
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