The prime minister has condemned current violence on the Indian Excessive Fee in London throughout a telephone name along with his counterpart Narendra Modi.
Rishi Sunak branded the unrest as “unacceptable” and stated extremism had “no place within the UK”.
Mr Modi’s workplace stated the Indian prime minister referred to as on Mr Sunak to take “sturdy motion in opposition to anti-India components”.
It comes after an incident final month the place violence broke out at the commission, resulting in the arrest of 1 man and accidents to 2 safety guards.
Home windows have been smashed and movies on social media confirmed a person eradicating the Indian flag from the constructing’s first-floor balcony with a crowd beneath waving yellow “Khalistan” banners showing to encourage him.
The group have been believed to be supporters of a Sikh separatist motion that desires to create a brand new breakaway state in Punjab, north India.
There have been indicators of rigidity between the 2 nations following the incident, with India this week asking Britain for increased monitoring of UK-based backers of the motion.
New Delhi has additionally accused them of “abusing” the UK asylum system to assist “terrorist actions” within the South Asia nation.
A Downing Road spokesperson stated: “The prime minister reiterated his condemnation of the unacceptable violence outdoors the Indian Excessive Fee in London.
“He pressured that extremism had no place within the UK and up to date on the steps being taken to make sure the safety of Indian Excessive Fee employees.”
Learn extra:
Key opposition leader in India disqualified from parliament after defaming Modi
Amritpal Singh: Punjab state on high alert as separatist preacher remains on the run
Additionally in the course of the telephone name, the 2 leaders mentioned the UK-India Free Trade Agreement and “mirrored on the large alternatives a deal would provide to Indian and British companies and shoppers”.
The £1bn free commerce deal was first introduced by Boris Johnson practically two years in the past and contains £533m in funding from India, which is anticipated to create greater than 6,000 jobs in sectors together with well being and know-how.
Nonetheless, regardless of a number of rounds of talks, the deal has not but been formally signed.
The leaders stated there have been “ongoing negotiations” a couple of free commerce deal regardless of the incident on the fee, which led to studies that India had “disengaged” from the discussions after the UK didn’t condemn Sikh separatists.
However three officers stated on Monday that talks on a free commerce settlement haven’t been suspended and can proceed this yr.
Final yr, House Secretary Suella Braverman stated she had “reservations” about Britain’s commerce cope with India as a result of it may enhance immigration to the UK.