During his two-day visit starting on Thursday, UK national security adviser Tim Barrow held talks with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval. The centerpiece of their talks was the Technology and Security Initiative, a key bilateral platform aimed at strengthening cooperation between India and the UK on key and emerging technologies.
Both national safety authorities participated in substantive discussions to outline the roadmap for this initiative, recognizing the importance of using technology to address common security challenges. They further exchanged views on bilateral issues of mutual interest and explored perspectives on regional and global affairs.
The Khalistan issue in Britain
However, it was not clear whether the two sides discussed the Khalistan issue during the meeting. It is worth noting that in March last year, extremist groups attacked the Indian High Commission in London. Early last month, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said it had arrested a man, a UK resident, in connection with violence during a protest on March 22 last year. When the same was asked during a press conference of the Ministry of External Affairs, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also skipped the question.
Barrow’s two-day visit to India included participation in a high-level dialogue led by the NSAs of both nations aimed at deepening cooperation in various fields, including security, technology and regional affairs.
Tim Barrow also meets Jaishankar
Additionally, the UK NSA met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss a range of bilateral, regional and global issues. Although many details of the meeting were not disclosed, it is believed that the Foreign Minister and Barrow also discussed the turbulent situation in West Asia.
The visit is expected to strengthen and expand the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UK. In early 2021, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Boris Johnson met on the sidelines of COP26 in Glasgow, the two agreed to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” between India and the UK and the India-UK Roadmap 2030, outlining cooperation plans for the next three decades.
Last month, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that Gwyn Jenkins, one of the country’s top generals, would replace Barrow as the next national security adviser. Jenkins, currently serving as Deputy Chief of the Defense Staff, brings a wealth of experience, having previously worked in the Prime Minister’s Office at No. 10 Downing Street as a military assistant.
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