PM Modi to push UK on Khalistan threat, fugitive extraditions during high-stakes visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-nation diplomatic tour, beginning July 23, is set to deliver a dual message of economic cooperation and national security as India prepares to sign a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom while simultaneously pressing London on issues of Khalistani extremism and the extradition of fugitive economic offenders.

Briefing reporters ahead of the visit, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that alongside the formalisation of the long-negotiated trade pact, India will raise sharp concerns over pro-Khalistani activities on British soil and the prolonged legal delays in returning economic fugitives including Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, and Lalit Modi.

“The issue of the presence of Khalistani extremists, and organizations sympathetic to them, is something that we’ve consistently flagged with the UK. It’s not just a matter of concern for India — it affects the social fabric and public order in their own country as well,” Misri said.

On fugitive extraditions, Misri reiterated that while such matters follow legal protocols in the UK, India continues to engage “very closely” to ensure progress. “These are serious matters linked to India’s law and public accountability,” he added.

During the two-day official visit, Modi will meet with newly elected British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and also call upon King Charles III, in what is expected to be a defining moment for the bilateral relationship, now elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership since 2021.

The India-UK FTA, whose conclusion was announced on May 6 after three years of complex negotiations, is expected to significantly boost trade, reduce tariffs, and unlock new investment avenues across key sectors including defense, technology, pharmaceuticals, and services.

“We are witnessing intensified collaboration across all three branches of our armed forces with the UK,” Misri noted, highlighting how strategic and defense cooperation has become a cornerstone of the partnership.

Turning the tide with Maldives

PM Modi’s itinerary will also take him to the Maldives from July 25, marking his third visit to the island nation and the first state visit during President Mohamed Muizzu’s term. The visit comes after a year of turbulence in bilateral ties, following controversial remarks by some Maldivian officials.

Misri said the trip is aimed at resetting the tone and reaffirming India’s commitment to peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean. “This visit will further consolidate the long-standing relationship and enhance mutual trust in areas from infrastructure to defense,” he stated.

India and the Maldives are now negotiating both a Free Trade Agreement and an investment treaty, with newer areas of cooperation like renewable energy and fisheries gaining traction. Bilateral trade currently stands at $500 million, with Indian investors playing a key role in sectors like tourism and real estate.

Misri also spotlighted India’s flagship infrastructure project — the Greater Male Connectivity Project — which links four major islands and is seen as transformative for the archipelago’s economic landscape. Social housing projects and capacity-building efforts in defense are also being supported by India.

Diplomatic balancing act

Modi’s July 23–26 visit comes at a critical juncture. With the UK emerging from a political transition and the Maldives recalibrating its foreign policy in the Indian Ocean, India’s twin engagement aims to reinforce its global economic position while ensuring that pressing domestic security issues — especially extremism and accountability — aren’t lost in the diplomatic shuffle.

As both engagements unfold, India will look to seal trade wins — but not at the cost of national interests.