Radicalism Has No Place in Democracies: PM Modi Urges UK PM Keir Starmer to Act Against Khalistani Extremism

In a significant diplomatic exchange, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to take firm action against Khalistani extremists, emphasizing that violent radicalism has no space in democratic societies. The discussion took place during Starmer’s official visit to India, marking a major step forward in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

Speaking about the meeting, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, “The issue of Khalistani extremism was discussed in detail between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Starmer. PM Modi made it clear that violent extremism and radicalism have no place in democracies and must not be allowed to misuse the freedoms granted by our societies. Both sides agreed that legal measures should be taken to curb such activities.”

‘A Partnership for the People’ – India and UK Strengthen Cooperation

Misri characterized the visit as “truly a partnership for the people”, underlining that India and the UK are collaborating on various initiatives aimed at mutual growth and societal benefit. He also noted that the upcoming India-UK Free trade Agreement (FTA) will be instrumental in helping India realize its vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) while creating new employment opportunities for the youth.

Accompanying the UK Prime Minister was a high-profile delegation consisting of nine vice-chancellors from leading UK universities and 125 prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, and educationists — making it the largest UK business delegation ever to visit India. During the visit, PM Modi announced that these nine universities would soon establish campuses in India, further deepening educational cooperation.

Trade, Business, and Cultural Partnerships Take Center Stage

During his trip, Keir Starmer participated in a Football-related event, interacted with Indian business leaders, and toured Yash Raj Films studios to discuss potential collaborations in film production. In his remarks, Starmer invited entrepreneurs from both nations to share ideas on how their governments can better support trade and business opportunities.

“We want to help you maximize the potential of this trade agreement,” Starmer said. “In the three months since the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in July, trade and investment between our countries have already grown by £6 billion.”

Security and Radicalization Concerns Addressed

The talks on counter-radicalization also came in the wake of a recent security breach in London during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit in March, when protesters disrupted an event at Chatham House. The issue of radical groups misusing democratic freedoms was a central point of discussion between the two leaders.

PM Modi hosted Starmer at Raj Bhavan for detailed deliberations covering regional and global issues. The leaders also met with members of the India-UK CEOs Forum and the vice-chancellors representing UK universities to discuss innovation, education, and investment opportunities.

Focus on Trade, Innovation, and Global Cooperation

According to Misri, both nations are currently finalizing the terms of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, which aims to deepen economic engagement and capitalize on tariff reductions. The visit also saw the announcement of new joint investments to boost the Climate Technology Startup Fund, fostering innovation and technological collaboration between the two countries.

Additionally, Misri highlighted the UK’s continued support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), describing it as a “meaningful and sincere gesture of partnership.”

With discussions ranging from trade and education to counter-terrorism and global diplomacy, PM Modi and PM Starmer’s meeting reaffirmed the strength of the India-UK strategic partnership and their shared commitment to democratic values, peace, and prosperity.