Tom Tugendhat, United Kingdom’s Security Minister, has allotted a fund of 95,000 pound(around Rs 1 crore) as aid to Britain to tackle “pro-Khalistan extremism”, announced The British High Commission in a readout on The Minister’s three day visit to India.
"During a meeting with India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, in New Delhi on Thursday, Tugendhat announced the new funding to enhance the UK's capability to tackle Pro-Khalistan Extremism," the high commission said.
Tugendhat is in India for the G20 anti-corruption ministerial meeting and to invigorate bilateral cooperation on security initiatives.
The 95,000 pound investment is aimed at enhancing government’s understanding of the threat “pro-Khalistan extremism” can evoke, in addition to the joint work that has already begun, between the UK and India, through joint-extremism task force.
"The living bridge between India and the UK reflects our deep and enduring friendship. As the world's oldest and largest democracies, we have many shared opportunities to make the world a safer and more prosperous place,” said UK’s Security Minister. "A deeper partnership between our two nations means we can more effectively tackle the security threats we both face. I'm committed to working together to enhance our understanding of and capabilities against extremism --whatever form it takes," he added.
The announcement of the new funding came amidst growing concerns over rising activities of pro-Khalistani elements in the UK.
The minister will be travelling to Kolkata for the G20 anti-corrpution ministerial meeting on Saturday. "Corruption also harms our prosperity, damages our society and threatens our national security. I am delighted to be attending the G20 anti-corruption ministerial meeting, presided over by India, to continue strengthening global resilience and cracking down on its corrosive influence," he commented.
The British High Commission also informed about the Minister’s meeting with the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the CBI.
