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MEA said that the Indian side conveyed its concerns over the activities of such groups abroad and underscored the importance of mutual cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to take strong action against Khalistani extremist elements within the ambit of law, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

Briefing reporters, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the issue of Khalistani activities was discussed during PM Modi’s recent meeting with Starmer, and that India reiterated its serious concerns over the activities of such groups abroad.

“The Prime Minister emphasised that radicalism and violent extremism have no place in democratic societies and should not be allowed to misuse the freedoms these societies provide," Misri said.

“There is a need to act against such elements strictly within the legal frameworks available to both sides."

#WATCH | Mumbai | On visit of UK PM Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, “Khalistani extremist issue was discussed during meeting held today between PM Modi and PM Starmer. PM emphasised that radicalism & violent extremism had no space in democratic societies &… — ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2025

Misri added that the matter had previously been raised in discussions between the two leaders in July, and was flagged again during Thursday’s talks.

He said both sides agreed on the importance of mutual cooperation and respect for legal processes in dealing with extremist activities that threaten social harmony and public safety.

During July meeting, PM Modi conveyed a firm message to his UK counterpart, urging the British government to take decisive action against extremist ideologies that “misuse democratic freedoms to undermine democracy."

The remarks came amid growing concerns over the influence of pro-Khalistan groups in the United Kingdom.

Speaking in London following the signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, PM Modi thanked Starmer and his government for strongly condemning the Pahalgam terror attack, stressing that both nations shared a unified stance on combating terrorism.

“We express our gratitude to Prime Minister Starmer and his government for their strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack. We are of one view that there should be no double standards in the fight against terrorism," PM Modi said.

He further emphasised that extremist elements must not be allowed to exploit democratic rights for subversive activities.

“We also agree that those with extremist ideologies cannot be permitted to misuse democratic freedoms. Anyone attempting to undermine democracy in the name of freedom must be held accountable," he added.

Earlier this year, a leaked UK Home Office report had listed pro-Khalistan extremism among emerging threats in Britain.

However, the same report also mentioned Hindu nationalism as a potential concern — a comparison that drew strong criticism from India.

Responding to the report at the time, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: “The nature of separatist and extremist threats originating from the UK is well known. Such threats should neither be condoned nor falsely equated."

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October 09, 2025, 17:57 IST

News india 'Extremism Has No Space...': PM Modi Urges Action Against Khalistanis In Talks With UK's Starmer

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