# 'Don't Allow Abuse of Freedoms': PM Modi Flags Khalistan Threat to UK PM Starmer, Calls for Firm Action
**Posted on October 9, 2025**
In a candid exchange that underscores the deepening yet candid India-UK partnership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the persistent issue of Khalistani extremism during bilateral talks with his British counterpart, Keir Starmer, in Mumbai today. As Starmer concluded a two-day visit to India—marked by discussions on trade, defense, and technology—Modi emphasized that "radicalism and violent extremism had no space in democratic societies" and urged decisive action against those who "misuse democratic freedoms to undermine democracy itself." This wasn't the first time; the matter had surfaced during their July meeting in London, signaling India's growing impatience with pro-Khalistan activities on UK soil.
The talks, held at Raj Bhavan, came against the backdrop of a landmark India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed earlier this year, poised to double bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. Yet, beneath the economic optimism, Modi's pointed remarks highlighted a security red line: the need for the UK to curb extremist elements that threaten Indian diplomatic missions and personnel.
### A Recurring Concern: Khalistan's Shadow Over Indo-British Ties
India's frustration with Khalistani separatists in the UK isn't new. Groups advocating for a Sikh homeland in Punjab have long operated from British cities, organizing rallies, funding propaganda, and even glorifying violence—activities that New Delhi views as direct threats to its sovereignty. High-profile incidents include the March 2023 vandalism of the Indian High Commission in London, where protesters scaled walls, clashed with police, and desecrated the Tricolour amid lax security. More recently, in March 2025, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar faced heckling by pro-Khalistan supporters during a London event.
A leaked UK Home Office report earlier this year flagged pro-Khalistan extremism as an "emerging threat," yet India argues that rhetoric hasn't translated into robust action. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, briefing the media post-talks, confirmed the issue was "flagged again," with Modi stressing legal measures to counter such groups. Modi also offered condolences for a recent antisemitic attack near a Manchester synagogue, drawing parallels to the shared fight against all forms of extremism.
Both leaders condemned terrorism unequivocally, pledging enhanced cooperation on counter-radicalization and intelligence sharing. "We agree that forces with extremist ideologies must not be allowed to misuse democratic freedoms," Modi stated in July, a sentiment echoed today.
### Beyond Khalistan: A Broader Security and Economic Agenda
The Mumbai summit wasn't solely about threats; it advanced a multifaceted partnership. Starmer, accompanied by 125 business leaders, pushed for swift FTA implementation to slash tariffs on goods like Scotch whisky and Indian textiles, while boosting investments in EVs and clean energy. Modi hailed the deal as a "launchpad for two-way growth," projecting India as the world's third-largest economy by 2028.
Defense and tech loomed large too. The duo endorsed the 'India-UK Vision 2030' roadmap, eyeing collaborations in AI, semiconductors, and Indo-Pacific security. Modi also pressed for extradition of economic fugitives like Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, and Lalit Modi, assuring coordinated agency efforts.
On global issues, Modi critiqued "double standards" in counter-terrorism, referencing the UK's support post the April 2025 Pahalgam attack in Jammu & Kashmir. Starmer reciprocated by thanking India for its stance on Ukraine and migration pacts.
### Implications: A Test for Starmer's Diplomacy
For Starmer, just months into his tenure, this visit tests his administration's balancing act: nurturing post-Brexit ties with India while addressing domestic Sikh diaspora sensitivities. India's message is clear—economic gains can't come at the expense of security. As Misri noted, these extremists "threaten the safety of our diplomatic missions and incite violence against our leaders." Will the UK ramp up monitoring of funding streams to Khalistani outfits or expedite extraditions? Observers await tangible steps.
This episode reaffirms Modi's forthright diplomacy: partnerships thrive on mutual respect, not selective blindness to threats. As the two PMs strolled Mumbai's Raj Bhavan gardens, the message was unequivocal—democracy's freedoms are sacred, but their abuse is intolerable.
*Do you think the UK will take concrete steps against Khalistani extremism? Share your thoughts below.*
**Sources:** Compiled from Times of India, The Economic Times, OMMCOM News, IANS, News18, Times Now, NewKerala, The Tribune, Moneycontrol, The Hindu, Hindustan Times, and Outlook India. All details current as of October 9, 2025.
