External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during his visit to Britain, raised the issue of Khalistan extremism in the country with the leaders and said that they should be cautious about the misuse of freedom of expression and speech. Jaishankar on Wednesday concluded his five-day visit to Britain, which he described as “timely” amid “substantial progress” in the ongoing talks for a free trade agreement.
Speaking to the media at the Indian High Commission in London before his departure, he gave brief information about his talks with British cabinet ministers and opposition leaders. During Jaishankar’s meetings with UK Home Secretary James Cleverley and National Security Advisor (NSA) Tim Barrow, India’s concerns about the security of Indian diplomats amid pro-Khalistan extremism in the country were discussed.
Asked whether the 14th round of talks on FTA was likely to be decisive, the External Affairs Minister said, “We have made substantial progress, but I don’t think it would be right to make predictions or put a timeline. I think both sides are aware of the importance of the FTA and will make maximum efforts to achieve it…”
Jaishankar held bilateral talks with Britain’s newly appointed Foreign Minister David Cameron. Jaishankar said that the two foreign ministers discussed several regional issues including the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflict. Jaishankar told that Cameron presented him a bat with the signatures of the England and Indian cricket teams.
