India-UK Relations

sorcerer

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Britain-India: From Courted to Courtier
What accounts for New Delhi’s relative indifference to London’s overtures?'

Making his first official trip to Europe, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited France, Germany and Canada in early April this year. His agenda: acquiring Rafale fighter jets, boosting Indian manufacturing through the Make in India campaign, urging the EU to move forward on a stalled free trade agreement, and attracting trade and investment.

Although Modi has said that he “usually tries to visit two to four nations together” in convenient clusters, the U.K. was not on his itinerary, despite some vigorous courting. While Britain has erected a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in London’s Parliament Square in an attempt to entice India, the former colonial power finds itself on the sidelines.

In 2014, five prominent U.K. politicians made official visits to India, from former Foreign Secretary William Hague to Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne and former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. Indeed, Prime Minister David Cameron himself has visited India a whooping three times since assuming office in 2010, including twice in 2013, professing that India is Britain’s “partner of choice” and “relations with India are at the top of the U.K.’s foreign policy priorities.” In 2012, Britain was among the first countries to withdraw its boycott of Modi over his alleged complicity in the 2002 Gujarat riots – the U.S. only followed suit in 2014. In addition, Britain has steadily supported India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.


Yet, the traffic has been largely one way, and interestingly, no Indian prime minister has visited the UK since Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2001, barring Manmohan Singh’s attendance at the 2009 G-20 Summit in London, which naturally did not focus on the bilateral; and notwithstanding Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s recent March visit to London, few Indian officials have done so.


With the U.K. increasingly moving away from the limited colonial outlook that exemplified its view of India in earlier decades, what explains New Delhi’s indifferent response towards London’s overtures, and the U.K.’s relegation in India’s political, economic, and international calculations?

Despite a deep historical legacy, cultural bonds bridging centuries, a prominent Indian diaspora numbering 2 million, strong educational ties, $15.8 billion in trade in favor of India, and a strong economic relationship with major investments on both sides, Britain is among a host of nations hoping to capitalize on India’s flourishing economy and the opening of its burgeoning defense industry to foreign investment through which it can possibly carve a role for itself in Asia and feature more prominently in the region. As the Economist notes, “Today everyone wants to be best pals with India.”

Diminishing Britain’s influence is potent competition from the exporting states of Japan, France and Germany, which have each created an efficient niche. The U.K.’s attempts to tap into India’s budding defense industry have been impeded by India’s diversification of defense sources, including its widespread military links with France – boosted by the latter’s refusal to condemn India’s 1998 nuclear tests – and the U.K.’s failure to secure the sale of its Eurofighter Typhoon jets, with India opting for the lower cost French Dassault Rafaele jets instead, making France India’s largest European defense partner. (The U.K.’s offer of its Eurofighter jets to India has been recently renewed by Cameron, who claims that his deal is better.) :D

German industrial expertise can contribute to India’s development and infrastructure projects including rail networks and smart cities, as reiterated by Steinruecke of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce. Japanese technology, investments, and aid in India’s infrastructure projects, including the construction of smart cities, Delhi’s mass rapid transit system, and the Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor, plans to further defense and security cooperation, not least to counter Chinese aggression, in return for rejuvenation of its moribund economy through exports and investments to a rapidly flourishing India, have paved the way for a promising partnership.

Despite Cameron’s latest assertion that Britain is a better partner for Modi’s Make in India campaign, in comparison to the likes of Germany and Japan, the U.K. appears to have comparatively little of an exclusive or a unique nature to offer India. Certainly, India can benefit from Britain’s impressive historical expertise and know-how in technology and innovation. Additionally, a large number of British firms operate in India, not least Vodafone, Unilever, Diageo, and British American Tobacco. Indian firms prefer Britain for FDI, and British banks lend more to India than any other country. But while countries like Japan and Germany have been eager to invest in India’s growing economy and the large number of infrastructure projects, the U.K. has been more reluctant to do so, including plans to invest in India’s ambitious 1,000 km Mumbai-Bangalore corridor. Strategic cooperation between India and Britain is being strengthened, especially in the realms of counter-terrorism and civil nuclear cooperation. However, the U.K. has concurrently pressed for a bigger role for Pakistan in Afghanistan, continuing its historic pro-Pakistan incline – something that naturally does not sit well with India.

Clearly, India’s foreign policy focus has shifted to the Indo-Pacific, yet even within Europe, Britain has been consigned to the backburner. Though the relationship between the two countries will likely continue to be affable and mutually constructive, and substantial economic, strategic and military gains will be achieved for both sides, Britain will not be India’s only reciprocal “partner of choice” as Cameron wishes, and it is far-fetched to think ties can develop into a “special relationship.”

Far from writer Patrick French’s critique of Britain’s narrow-minded colonial mindset and its subsequent incapability to fathom how India is growing, Britain’s recent attitude exhibits a pragmatic necessity and appreciation of engaging with a rising India. India’s reactions are also characterized by pragmatic reflections, including an acknowledgement of Britain’s fading international clout. In the transactional and ephemeral world of international relations, historical links and shared values matter, but ultimately the future of the relationship will depend on India’s evaluation of what it derives from the ties. This will determine where Britain stands on India’s radar and how much political weight India is willing to invest to deepen the level of engagement.

Overall, the evolving Indo-British relationship reflects shifting geopolitical realities, including a significant change in the global balance of power, a multipolar world in which India is an emerging power, and a Britain that is no longer the great power it once was.

Shairee Malhotra is a Mumbai-based analyst. She has an MA International Relations from Queen Mary University of London, and has worked as a researcher at foreign policy think tank Gateway House: Indian Council on Global Relations.

http://thediplomat.com/2015/05/britain-india-from-courted-to-courtier/
 

cobra commando

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Joint Indo UK Exercise Ajeya Warrior -2015

Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR, a Joint Exercise between the armies of India and UK, will be conducted from 13 June to 28 June 2015 at Westdown Camp, Salisbury Plains Training Area, UK. The Exercise is held biannually in the two countries, alternatively. The aim of the Exercise is to build and promote positive military relations between Indian and UK Army and to enhance their ability to undertake joint tactical level operations in Counter Insurgency/Counter Terrorism Environment under United Nations Charter. A Company strength will participate from a Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army, nominated for the Exercise. The Indian Army Contingent after reaching the Exercise location at Westdown Camp, UK, will familiarise with the weapons, equipment, tactical drills and orient themselves with the terrain. The Opening Ceremony for the Exercise is scheduled on 13 June and the Closing Ceremony on 28 June 2015 which will be attended by senior officers from both the armies.

Joint Indo UK Exercise Ajeya Warrior -2015
 

anupamsurey

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apart from all this, britain is a looser nation. it has been loosing its status, expertise and everiting vital since end of WWII. Apart from such a horrible mess it is, the British still fathom a half naked Indian begging to british people (remember the Aid comments of British people). With that attitude even a third world country will kick britain out (and it is already happening- See africa).
 

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I think the Indian community displayed some political impetus after the embassy protest/attack in London by voting for Tories. It is good that moderates are back at the helm after years of radical Corbynism.
 

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The Labour Party has announced a review into why the Covid-19 pandemic is disproportionately impacting people from black,Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds in Britain but has bizarrely excluded Hindus from the roundtable to launch it, though Sikhs and Muslims were invited.

The leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer, invited representatives from the Muslim Council of Britain, Operation Black Vote, the Sikh Federation (UK), the Sikh Network and the Jewish Medical Association to take part in its digital roundtable on Friday to kick off the review. The Hindu Forum of Britain and Hindu Council UK, the two largest umbrella organisations that represent Hindus in Britain, confirmed to TOI that they had were not invited.

"If you are discussing the impact of Covid-19 on BAME and frontline workers, don’t you think Hindus should be invited ? Hindu professionals are working in frontline jobs in large numbers. We are disappointed," said Rajnish Kashyap, general secretary at Hindu Council UK.

"This is a very worrying development. We are part of the BAME community. Many Hindus doctors work in the NHS, and many Hindus, including doctors, have died of Covid-19," added Anil Bhanot, director of Interfaith Relations at the Hindu Council UK.

"We were hoping things would change under Keir Starmer but it looks like he is taking an anti-India pro-Islamic stance, like his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn, under pressure from the Momentum (hard-left) wing of the party and the shadow cabinet he has appointed. Yet Corbyn was rejected by the public. The faith communities have worked hard for cohesion in the UK and now we see Labour politicians dividing us."

At the last Census, in 2011, 1.5 % of the UK population (817,000 people) identified themselves as Hindu, and up to April 21 this year 492 Indian -origin people had died of Covid-19 in Britain, making Indians the highest of any ethnic minority to die of the virus in the UK, and 3% of all Covid-19 UK deaths.



 

Indx TechStyle

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Ranting.....

Having been with British political campaigns, of promising solving "issue of Palestine, Iraq, Syria". Includes "battling Islamophobia" and so forth. Plenty of chaps on twitter for "saving Kashmir from BJP fascists" or rant to "support" India instead of "terrorist state" of Pakistan recently. Though British opposition or support to any party in any of disputes will not make much difference.

Unlike India with significant signature yet in British politics or their diplomatic thing, UK no longer features much in minds of Indian politicians or even common people. Being in Indian politics is far fetched. Indian defence experts are never seen mentioning that country in strategic analysis. Defence enthusiasts like on this forum don't bother much about Britain either.
Though the couple of Indian fanboys trolling Brits started some 3-4 years ago when some keyboard warriors accidentally had eye on them, "Ooh Look! People from some small island who looted us but now weak, are squealing. Why not bump and troll them?" It's a bit easier for Indian fanboys to boast against or troll British trolls as compared to Americans or Chinese given Britain's low economic, technological and strategic appetite. They will get bored of UK too soon.

For sure, UK doesn't live in mind of Indian strategists or population, at least not the way India does on minds of British counterparts (leave out population if I'm generalising, still British dipliamats). UK isn't bothered much by Indian government except being a destination of investment and may even become an insignificant country for India in near future. If UK breaks into constituent countries and crown rule ends, or India steps out of commonwealth (likely sooner or later, someone will do it in an environment of nationalist politics), or British commonwealth realms sideline the queen, process will only become much faster.

Overall image of India would be negative throughout UK though because of stereotypes. It's not liked by conservatives for being reason of UK's demise after WW2 or Labour party who believes India's ruled by fascists.
 
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Another old article from July 2015.
Trade is booming; will diplomacy follow?
India is today the third largest investor in Britain, after the U.S. and France, but successful trade ties must be supplemented quickly by political engagement as well
The last prime ministerial visit to the U.K. was in 2006 by Manmohan Singh. Such a long gap — during which British prime ministers have visited India four times — is unprecedented, creating a perception that Britain seems to have fallen off New Delhi’s foreign office map. It reminds us of I.K. Gujral’s unfortunate description of the U.K. as a “third rate power” not worth cultivating.
 

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Pak-origin former UK home secretary blocked extradition of Dawood aide Tiger Hanif to India


Published May 18, 2020 | By admin SOURCE: INDIA TODAY Sajid Javid, the Pakistan-origin Home Secretary had turned down India’s extradition request of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim’s close aide Tiger Hanif in connection with 1993 Surat blasts case, India Today TV has learned. Tiger Hanif is wanted by the Indian investigative agencies for his alleged role in two bomb blasts in Surat which took place in 1993. The London High Court had earlier ruled that Tiger Hanif can be extradited to India based on the evidence provided by the investigative agencies. The extradition papers were then sent to UK Home Office for approvals, however, then Home Secretary Sajid Javid refused to clear his extradition to India. Tiger Hanif alias Mohammed Hanif Umerji Patel was traced to a grocery store in Bolton, Greater Manchester, and arrested by Scotland Yard on an extradition warrant in February 2010. The 57-year-old since lost a number of legal bids to stay in Britain, claiming that he will be tortured in India. However, his final bid to then Home Secretary Sajid Javid succeeded as the Pakistani-origin minister refused the request last year. Born on October 20, 1960, Tiger Hanif is facing charges of crime against life and health, crimes involving the use of weapons and explosives, organised crime, and terrorism. Dawood Ibrahim, the underworld down accused of 1992 Mumbai blasts case, is said to be staying in Pakistan.
 

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Villager

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That British Chinese aka Sarah Mei Li Owen 陳美麗 trash is committed to fight for human rights everywhere except in her trash birthplace, Zhōngguó.

Would this trash fight for Shias-Hazaras rights in Pakistan? Would she fight for Ahmadis? Would she fight for Uighurs, Tibetan, Hongkong, Balochistan, Taiwan? Would she fight against discrimination to non-muslims in muslim countries? Would she fight for democracy and muslim women rights in Islamist Republic?

Committed bitches and dogs working in co-ordination with British-Chinese to get leverage over India by interfering in our matter.

I feel like our nukes should first target the land of these racial supremacist pigs who just don't get over their colonial hangover irrespective of who attacks us first.
.
 

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Indian footprint expands in UK despite COVID-19 crisis, finds new 'India Meets Britain Tracker'

Press Information Bureau: April 23, 2021


Despite the challenges of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Indian companies operating in the UK and their job creation numbers have increased over the past year, according to the "India Meets Britain Tracker," which was published on Thursday.

According to the 2021 tracker, which is compiled annually by Grant Thornton and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to assess the contribution of Indian companies to the UK economy, the number of Indian businesses operating in the country increased from 842 in the 2020 tracker to 850 in the 2021 tracker, and these businesses employed 116,046 people, up from 110,793 the previous year.

The overall turnover of these businesses was GBP 50.8 billion (US$ 70.47 billion), up from GBP 41.2 billion (US$ 57.16 billion) last year, and 47% of them had at least one woman on their board of directors, compared to 20% in last year's study.

Mr. Lord Gerry Grimstone, UK Minister for Investment, said, “I applaud these results, which indicate that the UK remains a highly desirable destination for Indian investors, who are bringing employment to the country while also rising female representation to record levels.”

He added, “As we rebuild better and stronger from COVID-19, stronger trade relations with India will ensure that more fast-growing companies like Birlasoft and Diligenta have the opportunity to bring employment and development to the UK.”

According to the report, Indian investors continued to invest in the UK in 2020, participating in ten acquisitions – the most of any single EU country – including four in the technology and telecoms industry and two in manufacturing.

Ms. Gaitri Issar Kumar, the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, said, “Despite the pandemic, trade and investment flows between India and the UK remains strong.”

The report also includes a ranking of the fastest-growing Indian-owned businesses in the UK, based on turnover of > GBP 5 million (US$ 6.94 million), YoY sales growth of at least 10%, and a minimum two-year presence in the country.

This year, 49 businesses met the requirements to be included in the tracker, with an overall revenue growth rate of 40%.

Mr. Anuj Chande, Head of South Asia Business Group, Grant Thornton UK LLP, said, “Despite the many challenges of the past year, and as Britain seeks to expand trade and investment relations around the world following Brexit, the long-standing ties between Britain and India seem to be only becoming stronger.”

He added, “According to research, the number of Indian companies operating in the UK has increased, and many of them are still growing rapidly, with some experiencing triple-digit growth.”



Technology and telecoms companies dominated the tracker for the eighth year in a row, accounting for 20 of the 49 companies included in the survey.

Birlasoft Solutions is the fastest-growing business on the list, registering 158% revenue growth.

With revenue of GBP 388 million (US$ 538.26 million) and a 62% growth rate, Diligenta, owned by Tata Sons, was the largest company listed.

Although technology and telecoms continue to dominate, the percentage of pharmaceuticals and chemicals companies in the tracker increased dramatically this year, from 15% in 2020 to 27% this year.

Mr. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), said, “The figures demonstrate how important Indian manufacturing has remained in the UK in terms of maintaining employment and supporting the local economy.”

He added, “As dialogue about the India-UK Enhanced Trade Partnership agreement continue, and countries continue to fight the pandemic, the CII and its members have worked to facilitate an economic recovery path that has been invaluable, and it is thus very promising to see the role our Indian industry has played here in the UK.”

The Tracker also finds that London continues to be the preferred location for fastest-growing companies, with over half (53%) of the fastest-growing Indian companies in this year's report placed in London, indicating the UK capital as their preferred location despite growing interest in other regions.
 

Tshering22

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Tshering22

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Jaishankar meets UK minister Priti Patel to sign Migration and Mobility Partnership

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met British Home Secretary Priti Patel in London on Tuesday to sign a new Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement, which he said would strengthen the "living bridge" between the two countries.

According to the senior Indian Cabinet minister, the agreement will facilitate legal travel and encourage talent flows between India and the UK. It is one of the outcomes related to a Virtual Summit between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled for Tuesday.

"A fruitful meeting this morning with Home Secretary Priti Patel. Signed the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement that would facilitate legal travel and encourage talent flows," Jaishankar tweeted alongside images of his meeting with the British-Indian Cabinet minister. "The living bridge between India and UK will get stronger as a result," he said.

While details of the agreement have not yet been released, it is expected to enhance student numbers coming into the UK in return for illegal migrants being deported back to India. The issue of illegal Indian migrants in the UK has long been on the agenda of bilateral negotiations, with both sides failing to agree on the numbers in question. While the UK maintains around 100,000 Indians are living illegally in the country, India has questioned the veracity of those numbers in the past because that figure is believed to also cover nationals from other parts of the Indian subcontinent. The two sides were close to signing an agreement on the issue in 2018 before it fell through over this ambiguity.

Jaishankar's meeting with Patel follows an announcement by Downing Street on Monday revealing details of an Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP), which has been agreed and is to be signed off between the two Prime Ministers.

The UK government said it has finalised 1-billion pound worth of trade and investment with India and that the ETP sets an ambition to double the value of UK-India trade by 2030 and declare a shared intent to begin work towards a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Jaishankar, meanwhile, is in London for the G7 Foreign and Development Ministers Meeting on the invitation of host UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and will join other guest nations at a working dinner later on Tuesday evening to agree on action on critical issues such as threats to global democracy.
 

Spitfire9

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UK will never clear a tejas deal for arg. If they did brit pakis in uk parliament will be at BoJo's throat.
I don't think BoJo would have the slightest interest in what British MP's of Pakistani extraction thought about India offering to export Tejas to Argentina.

There seems to be a belief with users of this website that politicians of Pakistani ethnic origin in the UK parliament are very influential in lobbying for Pakistan. We also have politicians of Indian, Carribean, Somali and other ethnic origins in the UK parliament. It is very rare to hear any of them lobbying for their country of ethnic origin. We elect them to represent an area of the UK and to promote the interests of the people in that area. That is their job.

This is a multi-ethnic society. For example, where my partner lives in London 36% of people are of Asian origin, 35% white, 20% black. MP's who promoted the interests of a particular country would not last long unless the majority of their constituents had historical origins to that particular country.

Personally I am not interested in my MP's national or ethnic roots. It is not relevant to doing a good job for the people of the constituency. Any MP who gave a different service to constituents based on their ethnicity, historical national origin or religion would be in deep, deep sh*t with their political party.
 

Longewala

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I don't think BoJo would have the slightest interest in what British MP's of Pakistani extraction thought about India offering to export Tejas to Argentina.

There seems to be a belief with users of this website that politicians of Pakistani ethnic origin in the UK parliament are very influential in lobbying for Pakistan. We also have politicians of Indian, Carribean, Somali and other ethnic origins in the UK parliament. It is very rare to hear any of them lobbying for their country of ethnic origin. We elect them to represent an area of the UK and to promote the interests of the people in that area. That is their job.

This is a multi-ethnic society. For example, where my partner lives in London 36% of people are of Asian origin, 35% white, 20% black. MP's who promoted the interests of a particular country would not last long unless the majority of their constituents had historical origins to that particular country.

Personally I am not interested in my MP's national or ethnic roots. It is not relevant to doing a good job for the people of the constituency. Any MP who gave a different service to constituents based on their ethnicity, historical national origin or religion would be in deep, deep sh*t with their political party.
Apologies, off topic but have to respond....
you Brit middle class types really are clueless about what's happening in your own country, aren't you.

What happens in a multi ethnic community as you described, when Whites and Asians don't care about their MP's ethnic roots...but muslims and blacks vote as a block?

Simple. Those who vote based on race dominate.

Let me ask you: why does UK has black history month, but not Indian history month?
Why do muslim grooming gangs operate with impunity for decades?
Do you think the likes of Abbott would get to such senior positions if not black (and female of course)
 

AmoghaVarsha

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I don't think BoJo would have the slightest interest in what British MP's of Pakistani extraction thought about India offering to export Tejas to Argentina.

There seems to be a belief with users of this website that politicians of Pakistani ethnic origin in the UK parliament are very influential in lobbying for Pakistan. We also have politicians of Indian, Carribean, Somali and other ethnic origins in the UK parliament. It is very rare to hear any of them lobbying for their country of ethnic origin. We elect them to represent an area of the UK and to promote the interests of the people in that area. That is their job.

This is a multi-ethnic society. For example, where my partner lives in London 36% of people are of Asian origin, 35% white, 20% black. MP's who promoted the interests of a particular country would not last long unless the majority of their constituents had historical origins to that particular country.

Personally I am not interested in my MP's national or ethnic roots. It is not relevant to doing a good job for the people of the constituency. Any MP who gave a different service to constituents based on their ethnicity, historical national origin or religion would be in deep, deep sh*t with their political party.

Can you tell me how raising Kashmir or attacking the Indian high commission promotes the interests of UK and its people?
 

Tshering22

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Looks like the UK wants to continue leveraging terrorists as assets against us in the future. On one hand, ask for more strategic engagement, and on the other, shield wanted terrorists.

UK High Court rejects India’s appeal to extradite terror accused Kuldeep Singh

The High Court in England on Thursday rejected an appeal by Indian authorities seeking permission to appeal against a magistrates’ court order turning down the extradition on human rights grounds of Kuldeep Singh, wanted in India as an alleged senior member of the banned terrorist organization Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF).

Singh, alias Keepa Sidhu is charged with conspiring with others to commit terror activities in Punjab dating back to 2015-16, including a plot to assassinate then chief minister and deputy chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and Sukhbir Singh Badal, respectively.

The 44-year-old is also accused of recruiting youths in Punjab to the banned KZF organization by offering them money and organizing a meeting of separatists in a gurdwara.

District Judge Gareth Branston, presiding over the extradition case at Westminster Magistrates’ Court here, ruled in January that as the offenses carry maximum sentences and “no possibility of a review of such a life sentence with a view to its commutation, remission, termination or conditional release”, it would be contrary to Article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights.

“The District Judge’s comprehensive and clearly reasoned judgment cannot be faulted,” High Court Justices Nicola Davies and Pushpinder Saini said in their judgment, handed down at the Royal Courts of Justice here. “There are no grounds upon which it would be appropriate for this court to interfere with the discretion exercised by the District Judge,” they conclude.

Singh faces a total of four charges in India, under sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act related to raising funds for terrorism, conspiracy, and being a member of a terror outfit and of the Arms Act relating to firearms offenses.

The court documents note that he is accused of being a point of contact in Punjab and liaising with the head of the KZF, who was residing in Pakistan, and other co-accused members of the organization, who lived in Belgium and England. Singh, who entered the UK illegally in 2005, was on immigration bail when he was arrested at Loughborough Immigration Reporting Centre in eastern England in October 2019.

In September 2020, the Indian authorities were successful in revoking bail granted to him at the magistrates’ court level. Singh – who used a Punjabi interpreter in court – then remained remanded in judicial custody for the duration of the extradition hearings before District Judge Branston, which concluded in December last year. In his judgment in January, District Judge Branston accepted Indian government assurances regarding prison conditions under which Singh would be kept as “clear, binding and sufficient”.

“There is no evidence that Mr. Singh has previously been ill-treated in India. This country has considered and accepted previous assurances by the Indian government. There is no cogent evidence to suggest that they will not be complied with,” he said. He also noted that it is undisputed that there is evidence of a conspiracy to commit criminal offenses in India but questioned the proportionality of a life term without parole. The judge said: “In my judgment, if such a sentence were imposed upon Mr. Singh in the context of this case, then such a sentence would plainly be grossly disproportionate to the offending alleged.

“Whilst clearly very serious allegations, Mr. Singh is alleged to have been involved in the funding and recruitment of terrorist activity. As is observed, there is no evidence that anyone was actually killed as a result of his alleged activities. He is accused of acts preparatory to terrorist offenses.” Besides the human rights issue relating to a life sentence without parole, the court also found that there is “insufficient evidence to make a case requiring an answer by Kuldeep Singh”.
 

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