UK-India Talks: Ajit Doval Flags Sikh Radicalisation; Tim Barrow Engages On Technology And Security

During his two-day visit, discussions were conducted between UK national security advisor Tim Barrow and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval regarding the Technology and Security Initiative, a significant bilateral mechanism aimed at enhancing collaboration in critical and emerging technologies between India and the UK.

The roadmap for this initiative was charted out through substantive deliberations, with a recognition of the importance of leveraging technology to address shared security challenges.

Photo Credit: PTI

UK-India Talks: Ajit Doval Flags Sikh Radicalisation

Bilateral issues of mutual interest were deliberated upon, and views on regional and global matters were exchanged. Rising Sikh radicalisation in Britain and the need for the UK government to rein in Khalistani elements were expressed as concerns by NSA Ajit Doval during the meeting.

This issue was raised in response to recent violent protests in London by pro-Khalistani elements, including an event organized in March 2023 by Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) leader Avtar Singh Khanda, who later died in a UK hospital in June 2023.

Barrow participated in a high-level dialogue led by the NSAs of both countries during his visit to India, aiming to deepen cooperation on various fronts, including security, technology, and regional affairs. Additionally, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with the UK NSA to discuss various bilateral, regional, and global issues.

The overall situation in West Asia was discussed by Jaishankar and Barrow during their interactions. This visit is expected to strengthen and broaden the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UK, which was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his then-British counterpart Boris Johnson in 2021.

Recently, UK PM Rishi Sunak announced that Gwyn Jenkins, one of the country's top generals, will succeed Barrow as its next national security adviser, indicating continuity in leadership within the UK's national security apparatus.