NEW DELHI, India — India on Monday welcomed the United Kingdom’s latest actions against Khalistani extremist networks, saying the move strengthens global counter-terrorism efforts and reinforces joint efforts to curb illicit financial activity and transnational crime.
At a regular media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal praised the UK government’s imposition of sanctions on Gurpreet Singh Rehal — linked to Babbar Khalsa — and on the Babbar Akali Lehar group. The measures include asset freezes and financial restrictions.
“We welcome the steps that have been taken by the UK government to sanction anti-India extremist entities, which strengthen the global fight against terrorism and extremism and help to curb illicit financial flows and transnational crime networks,” Jaiswal said. “Such individuals and entities pose a threat not just to India and the UK but to people across the world. We look forward to continuing to work very closely with the UK side in further strengthening our counter-terrorism and security cooperation.”
On December 4, the UK Treasury announced an asset freeze and a director disqualification for Rehal, who is suspected of involvement in terrorism-related activities. It also froze assets belonging to Babbar Akali Lehar, citing its role in promoting and supporting the same extremist organization.
According to the Treasury’s statement, Rehal is assessed to be involved in recruitment, financing, and procurement of weapons for Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar. The sanctions prohibit individuals and entities in the UK from dealing with any funds or economic resources controlled by Rehal or the group.
The development follows months of discussions between India and the UK regarding the presence of Khalistani extremist elements on British soil. In October, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue during talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai. Modi stressed that radicalism and violent extremism “have no space in democratic societies” and must not be allowed to exploit democratic freedoms.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri later confirmed that the matter was discussed again during Starmer’s recent visit, noting that both sides agreed on the need to act firmly within the legal frameworks available.
India has repeatedly expressed concern about Khalistani activity in the UK, especially after past incidents involving vandalism and disorder at the Indian High Commission in London. During his July visit to the UK, Modi said extremist forces “cannot be allowed to misuse democratic freedom,” thanking Starmer’s government for its strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack.
“We are united in the belief that there is no place for double standards in the fight against terrorism,” Modi said at the time.
The latest sanctions signal a stronger alignment between New Delhi and London on countering extremist groups, with both governments indicating they intend to deepen cooperation in the months ahead. (Source: IANS)
