During UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to India on Wednesday, the issue of Khalistani extremism was a key topic of discussion during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
Misri elaborated, “PM Modi emphasised that radicalism and violent extremism have no space in democratic societies and should not be allowed to use or abuse the freedoms provided by societies. There was a need to move against them within the legal framework available on both sides.”
Misri described the visit as “truly a partnership for the people”, underscoring the collaborative efforts between India and the UK across multiple sectors to benefit citizens of both nations. He highlighted the landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in July 2025, noting that it supports India’s vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and will create employment opportunities for the youth.
Starmer was accompanied by a high-powered delegation, the largest-ever UK business delegation to visit India, comprising 125 prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, and educationists, along with nine vice-chancellors from major UK universities planning to establish collaborations in India. PM Modi announced that these nine UK universities will open campuses in India, further strengthening educational ties.
During his visit, Starmer engaged with Indian business leaders, visited Yash Raj Films to explore opportunities for collaboration in film production, and participated in a football-related event. Addressing industry leaders from both nations, he urged them to identify barriers that governments could address to maximise opportunities, stating, “We want to support you to maximise the potential in relation to this trade agreement.”
He noted that trade and investment had already increased by £6 billion in the three months since the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) was signed in July. The discussion on radicalisation was contextualised by a recent security breach during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to London in March 2025, when protesters disrupted an event at Chatham House. On the official front, PM Modi hosted Starmer at Raj Bhavan for comprehensive discussions on regional and global issues.
Also Read: India-UK ties anchored in ‘trust, talent and technology’: PM Modi
The leaders also interacted with the UK university vice-chancellors and the reconstituted India-UK CEOs Forum. Trade and investment were central to the visit, with Misri noting that the FTA is currently undergoing ratification in both countries. The visit provided a platform to deepen economic engagement and fully leverage the benefits of tariff reductions.
Additionally, new joint investments were announced to enhance the climate technology startup fund, fostering innovation and technology collaboration. Misri also highlighted the UK’s support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on a reformed UN Security Council, describing it as a significant gesture of mutual appreciation between the two nations.
Also Read: UK PM's India visit: Aadhaar-style idea high on agenda
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