Latest news with #India-U.K.
The Hindu
8 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Ahead of PM's visit, India highlights presence of Khalistani activists in the U.K.
Bilateral trade is a major agenda item as Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads to the United Kingdom on Wednesday (July 23, 2025), but the India-U.K. talks will also feature discussions on pro-Khalistan elements in the U.K., and India's policy on bringing U.K.-based fugitives to justice. The presence of Khalistani activists in the U.K. and elsewhere undermines 'social cohesion', Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in a briefing on the PM's visit on Tuesday. The visit is also likely to lead to the unveiling of the India-U.K. Free Trade Agreement that Mr. Modi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had announced on May 6. Last minute work on FTA 'We are working on legal scrubbing and other last minute work that needs to be done... The U.K. is the sixth-largest investor in India, with cumulative investment of $36 billion. Interestingly, India is also a major investor in the U.K., with nearly $20 billion in cumulative FDI,' Mr. Misri said, indicating that last-minute discussions are taking place regarding the FTA. According to diplomatic sources, the FTA is expected to result in tangible benefits for both countries in sectors such as advanced machinery, cars, and spirits, mainly Scotch whiskey. According to the U.K. government, the FTA has the potential to increase bilateral trade by nearly 39%, or an amount of 25.5 billion pounds, equivalent to ₹34.4 billion. Khalistani security concerns While boosting India-U.K. commerce, the talks will also take up the presence of the Khalistan elements who have repeatedly targeted the Indian High Commissioner in London in the recent past, and campaigned for a free Khalistan. This is also among the security concerns being taken into consideration during the Prime Minister's visit, resulting in several details, including meeting venues, being kept under wraps. In March, while on a visit to the U.K., External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was accosted by a protester who attempted to tear up the Indian flag. The Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the incident and asked the U.K. government to 'fully live upto its diplomatic obligations'. The Prime Minister's visit will also provide India with an opportunity to discuss the presence of fugitives like Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi on British soil. Mr. Misri said that India is confident of bringing these wanted individuals to justice, pointing to previous successful extraditions. 'We have been in touch with each other. We will try to explain them that how others like Tahawwur Rana has been extradited… We can do it,' Mr. Misri said. Likely to discuss sanctions Mr. Modi and Mr. Starmer are expected to discuss international developments, including the U.K.'s support to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. Significantly, while the European Union announced specific sanctions on July 18 against the Nayara energy refinery in Gujarat, which is a joint venture with Russian energy giant Rosneft, the United Kingdom did not include the Indian refinery in its sanctions announced on July 21. Mr. Modi will have an audience with King Charles III.
The Hindu
14 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Conveyed India's concerns on Khalistani extremism to U.K., says Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United Kingdom, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday (July 22, 2025) said that the issue of Khalistani extremists and related groups is a matter of concern for India, and it has been brought to the attention of partners in the United Kingdom. Discussions have also taken place between India and the United Kingdom regarding the extradition of fugitives to India, Mr. Misri said. Mr. Misri made the remarks on Tuesday (July 22, 2025), during a special press conference held ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United Kingdom and Maldives which begins on Wednesday *(July 23, 2025). Foreign Secretary Misri said, "The issue of the presence of Khalistani extremists, bodies close to these people, is something that we have brought to the attention of our partners in the U.K.. We will continue to do so. This is a matter of concern not only to us but should be a matter of concern to our partners as well because this impacts social cohesion and social order in these other countries as well." Answering a media query on the issue of fugitives in the U.K., Mr. Misri said that there is a legal process to such requests regarding fugitives related to Indian law and India is working "very closely" with the U.K. on this issue. "There have been a few questions fugitives related to Indian law and Indian justice, in the U.K. These have been a matter of discussion between both sides and we have continued to make the case for these fugitives to be rendered to India. There is a legal process that such requests , issues go through in the other country, and we continue to follow very closely with our partners in the U.K. on these matters." Foreign Secretary Misri, during the briefing informed that this would be PM Modi's fourth visit to the U.K. "This visit, though, a short one will give both leaders the opportunity to review the entire gamut of the bilateral relationship." He added, "The India-U.K. partnership, as you're aware, was upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2021 and since then, has seen regular high level political exchanges, and both sides remain committed to taking this partnership to even higher levels, apart from the summit level, engagements. "The visit to the U.K. is at the invitation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while the state visit to the Maldives is at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
PM Modi to visit UK, Maldives from July 23
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-nation tour of the United Kingdom and the Maldives from July 23 to July 26, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Sunday. During the visit to the UK, Modi is expected to unveil the bilateral trade pact that the two sides announced on May 6. 'During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold wide ranging discussions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the entire gamut of India-U.K. bilateral relations. They will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance,' said the Ministry of External Affairs in the official announcement. During the visit PM Modi is scheduled to meet King Charles III. Modi had announced the trade deal with the UK on May 6 describing it as 'ambitious and mutually beneficial'. Before announcing the deal on the social media, he had held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Starmer. The negotiation for the deal that witnessed several twists because of change of multiple governments in the UK started in 2022. The British government has described the deal as 'the biggest and most economically significant bilateral trade deal'. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal paid a two-day visit to the UK in June to lay the grounds for the unveiling of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The Ministry of External Affairs said that during the visit, Modi will review the state of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), 'with a specific focus on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education and people to people ties.' On the invitation of Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, PM Modi's state visit to Maldives will begin on July 25. Modi will be the 'Guest of Honour' at the 60th anniversary celebrations of the independence of Maldives on July 26. 'The two leaders will also take stock of the progress in the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,' adopted during the State Visit of the President of Maldives to India in October 2024', said the Ministry of External Affairs in the statement.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Centre open to discussing Operation Sindoor in Parliament
The Government is open to discussing all issues in Parliament, including Operation Sindoor, it said in an all-party meeting held on the eve of the monsoon session which begins on Monday. At the same time, it cautioned the Opposition that any debate on the subject has to be held within the laid-down rules and procedures. Opposition parties, meanwhile, insisted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should respond on the matter, as well as on U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated claims that he brokered peace between India and Pakistan. They also demanded a discussion on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju made it clear that the final call on discussions in Parliament will be taken by the Business Advisory Committees of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The Houses of Parliament will have 21 sittings during the Monsoon Session. 'We are very open to a discussion on important issues like Operation Sindoor. These are issues of great national importance. The government is not shying away and will never shy away but is open to discussions within rules and conventions.' Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju told journalists after the all-party meeting. He emphasised that, for the government, 'niyam (rules)' and 'parampara (conventions)' are important. Prime Minister Modi to visit United Kingdom and the Maldives during July 23-26 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-nation tour of the United Kingdom and the Maldives from July 23 to July 26, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Sunday. During the visit to the U.K., Prime Minister Modi is expected to unveil the bilateral trade pact that the two sides announced on May 6. 'During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the entire gamut of India-U.K. bilateral relations. They will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance,' said the Ministry of External Affairs in the official announcement. During the visit PM Modi is scheduled to meet King Charles III. Prime Minister Modi had announced the trade deal with the U.K. on May 6, describing it as 'ambitious and mutually beneficial'. Before announcing the deal on social media, he had held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Starmer. The negotiation for the deal that witnessed several twists because of changes in multiple governments in the U.K. started in 2022. The Ministry of External Affairs said that during the visit, PM Modi will review the state of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) 'with a specific focus on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education and people-to-people ties.' Over 100 MPs have signed notice to bring motion against Justice Varma in Parliament, says Kiren Rijiju Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday said over 100 MPs have already signed a notice to bring a motion in Parliament for the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma, crossing the threshold of support required for tabling the impeachment exercise in the Lok Sabha. 'The signature (exercise) is underway and it has crossed 100 already,' Rijiju told reporters after the all-party meeting, while adding that it is for the Business Advisory Committee, a group of parties which finalises the agenda in their respective Houses, to decide when the motion will be moved. A motion for the removal of a Judge has to be signed by not less than 100 MPs in the Lok Sabha and 50 in the Rajya Sabha. The motion is likely to be brought in the Lower House. 'I cannot comment on any business in terms of priority because until the matter is passed by the BAC with the Chair's approval, it is difficult for me to make an announcement outside,' Rijiju said when asked if the motion may be brought in the first week of the session. Nimisha Priya execution: Won't grant pardon, says family of Yemeni victim The family of Talal Abdo Mahdi, the deceased Yemeni national, remains firm in their demand for retribution even as attempts to convince them to pardon Indian nurse from Kerala Nimisha Priya are under way. An intervention by All India Jamiyyathul Ulama general secretary and Sunni leader Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar through his close friend and respected Yemeni Sufi scholar Sheikh Habib Omar bin Hafiz had positive results, with the Yemeni authorities postponing the July 16 execution of Nimisha Priya. Musliar said talks had been under way with Talal's family to persuade them to pardon Nimisha Priya, despite their strong desire for retribution. However, social media posts purportedly by Talal's brother Abdul Fatah Mahdi indicated the family's resolute stance on retribution as per the Islamic law rather than accepting the blood money and pardon Nimisha Priya. Fatah Mahdi said 'justice would prevail' and affirmed that 'retribution would come regardless of any delays in the execution.' In a separate post, he said the family would not grant pardon to Nimisha Priya 'in spite of interventions by anybody.' Fatah Mahdi ended his post saying 'the pens have been lifted, and the papers have been dried,' an Arabic idiom meaning the matter has been settled forever. This phrase is interpreted as the family's resolution to ensure retribution. Girl set on fire by miscreants in Odisha airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for advanced treatment The 15-year-old girl, who sustained over 75% burn injuries after being set on fire by unidentified miscreants in Odisha's Puri district on Saturday, was airlifted to AIIMS, New Delhi, on Sunday for advanced medical treatment. The decision to shift the girl to AIIMS, New Delhi, was taken after a team of specialist doctors at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, observed some improvement in her condition. Notably, despite being severely traumatised both mentally and physically, the girl was able to speak. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi had assured that the State government would provide air ambulance support if doctors at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, deemed her fit for transfer. A green corridor was created between AIIMS, Bhubaneswar and Biju Patnaik International Airport to facilitate her swift transfer in a life-support-equipped ambulance. Additional forces were deployed. The girl was accompanied by two family members and a team of doctors during the airlift. According to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, a special bed and another team of doctors have been kept ready at the AIIMS, New Delhi for immediate attendance of the victim. The State government also put in a request for the creation of a green corridor in New Delhi so that time would not be lost. In brief: Terrorists exchange fire with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar An encounter between terrorists and security forces broke out on Sunday afternoon in the mountainous region of Kishtwar district in the Chenab Valley. Meanwhile, in south Kashmir's Anantnag, a suspect was arrested after the facial recognition system flagged an alert. An Army spokesman said, under Operation Cherji, the Indian Army launched an operation in the Hadal Gal area of Kishtwar Sector on Sunday. 'The operation was based on specific inputs (about the presence of terrorists),' the Army said. Evening Wrap will return tomorrow.
The Hindu
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
No trade deal under time pressure; national interest supreme, says Goyal on pact with U.S.
India does not enter into any trade agreement based on deadlines and will accept the proposed trade deal with the U.S. only when it is fully finalised, properly concluded and in the national interest, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday. Also Read | What is the significance of the India-U.K. free trade agreement? He also said that India was negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) with different countries, including the European Union, New Zealand, Oman, Chile, and Peru. FTAs are possible only when both sides get benefited and it should be a win-win agreement, he told reporters when asked about the proposed interim trade agreement with the U.S. "National interest should always be supreme. Keeping that in mind, if a deal is made then India is always ready to deal with developed countries," Mr. Goyal said. When asked if an interim trade agreement between the two countries was possible by July 9, he said, "India never does any trade deal based on deadline or time frame. When the deal is done properly, and is completely finalised and is in the country's interest, then we will accept it". July 9 marks the end of the 90-day suspension period of the U.S. President Donald Trump-announced tariffs imposed on dozens of countries, including India. An additional import duty of 26% was announced on Indian goods entering the U.S.. He added that at present, there was no plan to visit Washington for the trade talks.
