Khalistani, fugitive issues may crop up during Boris Johnson's India trip

New Delhi: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, on a much-anticipated trip to boost investment and defence ties with India, might also have to tackle difficult and sensitive subjects such as reining in Khalistani propaganda and speeding up the extradition of fugitive economic offenders Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi.

The issues that have implications for Indian security will also be discussed in detail during Johnson's April 21-22 visit to India, ET has learnt.

The Narendra Modi government has been repeatedly seeking action against pro-Pak Sikh radicals operating from the UK and the issue figured prominently during the past few bilateral meetings.


Last year, the Modi government took strong exception to the UK allowing a referendum on affairs of a third country by 'weaponizing' a section of the Indian diaspora. The Modi government had conveyed its serious concern that the UK government was not acting against radicalisation of the Indian diaspora by banned Sikh groups promoting their secessionist agenda.

New Delhi has also been worried over the growing network of other ISI-backed anti-India radicals and extremists in the UK, persons familiar with the issue told ET. Certain Pakistani-origin UK politicians have reportedly been working against India's interests. Activities of UK MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, who has alleged links with anti-India groups, have been closely monitored, ET has learnt.

"My visit to India will deliver on the things that really matter to the people of both our nations - from job creation and economic growth to energy security and defence," Johnson said ahead of his trip.