India hails UK action against alleged pro-Khalistan terror financing

India on Monday welcomed the United Kingdom’s decision to impose sanctions on a British Sikh businessman over his alleged links to pro-Khalistan terrorist activities, calling the move a significant step in strengthening global efforts against terrorism and extremism.

Gurpreet Singh Rehal

has been subjected to an asset freeze after it was stated by the UK’s Treasury department on Thursday that he was suspected of belonging to organisations involved in terrorist activities in India.

It was stated that the steps taken by the UK government to sanction anti-India extremist entities were welcomed, as these measures were said to have strengthened the global fight against terrorism and extremism, while also helping to curb illicit financial flows and transnational crime networks. This was conveyed by External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal while responding to a question during his weekly media briefing.

It was further stated that such individuals and groups were considered to pose a threat not only to India and the UK, but also to people across the world.

It was added that close cooperation with the UK side was looked forward to in order to further strengthen counter-terrorism and security collaboration.

It was also recalled that repeated appeals had been made by India to the UK to take firm action against pro-Khalistan extremist elements operating from British territory.

It was stated by the UK’s Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Lucy Rigby, that Britain’s financial system would not be allowed to be exploited by terrorists.

It was emphasised that this action had been described as a landmark step and that it had been conveyed that every available tool would be used to choke off the funding for terrorism, irrespective of where it occurred or who was responsible. It was also stated that solidarity with peaceful communities had been firmly expressed against those promoting violence and hatred.