Those misusing democratic freedoms must be held to account: PM Modi
Addressing the media alongside Starmer, Modi raised India's concern over increasing activities of pro-Khalistani elements in the UK and said that forces with extremist ideologies must not be allowed to misuse democratic freedoms.
He said both India and the UK are 'united in our view that there can be no place for double standards in the fight against terrorism' and thanked the British government for its 'strong' condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack.
'Those who misuse democratic freedoms to undermine democracy itself must be held to account,' the Prime Minister said in his media statement.
India has been flagging its concerns to the UK over the activities of pro-Khalistan elements on British soil, especially after the attack on the Indian High Commission in London in March 2023. Later, during a media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the issue figured in the delegation-level talks, and that the UK has assured cooperation in this regard.
Misri also said that Modi and Starmer expressed a commitment to strengthening the global fight against terrorism.
'It was noted that extremism and radicalisation pose a threat to both societies and that there is a need to further enhance bilateral collaboration and cooperation to deal with the scourges of terrorism, extremism and radicalisation,' he said.
In terms of c
The Prime Ministers of India and the United Kingdom, during their meeting in London, endorsed the new 'India-UK Vision 2035' that reaffirms their shared commitment to unlocking the full potential of a revitalised partnership, said a joint statement released in the wake of the visit.
This ambitious agreement underscores the two nations' resolve to work together for mutual growth, prosperity and to shape a prosperous, secure and sustainable world in a time of rapid global change, it said.
The India-UK Vision 2035 sets clear strategic goals and milestones, tracking a path for sustained collaboration. PM Modi mentioned an education and skills partnership to deepen transnational collaborations between the UK and Indian universities, including the establishment of campuses of leading universities in each other's countries.
The two also decided to build on the Technology Security Initiative, focused on future telecoms, AI and critical minerals, laying the ground for future collaboration on semi-conductors, quantum, bio-technology and advanced materials.
Later, PM Modi called upon King Charles III at his Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, eastern England. He presented a tree sapling to the King as part of his 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' environmental initiative.
Modi said both also covered aspects such as Yoga and Ayurveda as well as the India-UK Free Trade Agreement signed between him and PM Starmer.
'Had a very good meeting with His Majesty King Charles III,' PM Modi posted on X.
'We discussed different aspects of India-UK relations, including the ground covered in trade and investment in the wake of CETA and Vision 2035. Other subjects of discussion included education, health and wellness, particularly Yoga and Ayurveda, which are subjects His Majesty is very passionate about. We also talked about environmental protection and sustainability,' he said.
The sapling he presented to the King will be planted on the estate during planting season in the autumn, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told reporters during a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) briefing around the Prime Minister's visit.
Divya A reports on travel, tourism, culture and social issues - not necessarily in that order - for The Indian Express. She's been a journalist for over a decade now, working with Khaleej Times and The Times of India, before settling down at Express. Besides writing/ editing news reports, she indulges her pen to write short stories. As Sanskriti Prabha Dutt Fellow for Excellence in Journalism, she is researching on the lives of the children of sex workers in India. ... Read More
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