LONDON / NEW DELHI,
Apr 13:
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi today and agreed to expedite progress to resolve “outstanding issues” in the India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations.
The phone call came against the backdrop of a media report earlier this week that claimed that India had halted the FTA negotiations with the UK until it sees tougher action against pro-Khalistan groups behind the attack on the Indian High Commission in London last month.
The reports had been swiftly denied on both sides.
In a readout of the call between the two leaders, Downing Street said that Sunak reiterated his condemnation of the “unacceptable” violence outside the Indian High Commission in London last month and updated Modi on the steps being taken to ensure the security of Indian diplomatic staff.
The Indian flag at the High Commission in London was pulled down during a protest by pro-Khalistani elements last month.
Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of the security of Indian diplomatic establishments in the UK during the telephonic conversation with his British counterpart Sunak and called for strong action against anti-India elements, a statement said in New Delhi.
According to it, Modi also sought progress on the return of economic offenders wanted in India.
India is pursuing the extradition of beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya and fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi from the UK.
Mallya, who fled to the UK in 2016, is wanted in India over a default of Rs 9,000 crore that was loaned to Kingfisher Airlines by several banks. Nirav Modi is facing charges in the estimated USD 2 billion Punjab National Bank loan scam case. (PTI)
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