UK's Security Minister visits India to address joint threat of extremism and corruption
The UK’s Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat, is in India for a 3-day visit to bolster bilateral cooperation on security initiatives and attend the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meeting.
Tom Tugendhat, UK Security Minister
During a meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, in New Delhi on Thursday (10 August), Minister Tugendhat announced new funding to enhance the UK’s capability to tackle Pro-Khalistan Extremism.
The £95,000 investment will enhance the government’s understanding of the threat posed by Pro-Khalistan Extremism, complementing the joint work already underway between the UK and India through the Joint-Extremism Task Force.
Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat, said:
The living bridge between India and the UK reflects our deep and enduring friendship. As the world’s oldest and largest democracies, we have many shared opportunities to make the world a safer and more prosperous place.
A deeper partnership between our two nations means we can more effectively tackle the security threats we both face. I’m committed to working together to enhance our understanding of and capabilities against extremism – whatever form it takes.
Corruption also harms our prosperity, damages our society and threatens our national security. I am delighted to be attending the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial meeting, presided over by India, to continue strengthening global resilience and cracking down on its corrosive influence.
Before travelling to Kolkata for the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial, which will take place on 12 August, Minister Tugendhat will visit the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to discuss joint challenges posed by child sexual exploitation and abuse, and fraud. He will also meet with the Indian National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval.
The UK Government recently launched a Fraud Strategy, which includes a new National Fraud Squad who will work with local forces, international partners – including the CBI – and the UK Intelligence Community to ensure that callous fraud cells are shut down.
At the G20, Minister Tugendhat will emphasise the UK’s unwavering commitment to fighting corruption, which undermines national security and global prosperity.
The G20 discussion will compliment work already underway by the UK Government to deliver a new UK Anti-Corruption Strategy.
British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis said:
The unique connection between our people brings both huge opportunities and security challenges. Through mechanisms like the Joint Extremism Task Force we are acting jointly on countering threats, including pro-Khalistan extremism, as well as on migration, to keep our people safe.
Our migration and mobility relationship is a pillar of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which also includes ensuring a free and open Indo Pacific, and tackling the biggest challenges facing the world around climate and health. This is a partnership for now, including India’s G20 Presidency, and for the future.
Further information
- Tom Tugendhat was appointed Minister of State (Minister for Security) on 6 September 2022 and attends cabinet. He previously served as the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee from 2017 to 2022
- the UK-India Home Affairs cooperation spans a range of critical areas, including extremism and counter terrorism, corruption, fraud, cyber, public safety and migration
- the investment relationship between the UK and India already supports over half-a-million jobs across both economies and we are working to further strengthen our trade ties. Total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and India was £36.3 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2023
- today (Friday 11 August), Minister Tugendhat will meet India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, to discuss global security and outcomes from the Joint Extremism Taskforce held early this month
- the £95,000 PKE investment will further enhance the UK government’s understanding of the threat posed by Pro-Khalistan Extremism, improving its ability to identify and disrupt extremist narratives and activity. This complements the joint working already underway between the UK and India through the Joint-Extremism Task Force
- the UK government remains committed to working with the Government of India following the unacceptable attack against the Indian High Commission in London in March 2023. The security of the Indian High Commission and their staff, are of utmost importance to the UK Government. We take the protective security of the Indian High Commission extremely seriously
- the Joint Extremism Task Force focuses on enhancing UK-India cooperation on tackling extremism, ensuring that all possible actions are taken against groups and individuals seeking to incite violent extremism, or who are involved in the financing of it
Media
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Last updated 14 August 2023 + show all updates
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