Britain’s approach to working with India on the terrorism challenges faced by both countries has long been “rock solid” and continued to remain so, Britain’s senior envoy to the country said on Friday.
“There has been close collaboration all the way through…we know India suffers massively and we are as strong collaborating with India on fighting it as we ever were,” said British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith at a meeting in London.
Asked whether Britain’s approach to India’s terrorism concerns — as well as those about Britain’s alleged tolerance of anti-India activity in the country — was changing, signalled by the decision to cancel a rally last week in Birmingham commemorating the death anniversary of Burhan Wani, Sir Dominic said that decision had been down to the local council of Birmingham City.
Freedom of speech
However, he said while Britain stressed the importance of freedom of speech, it also recognised the potential contradiction on occasion between this and concerns about the incitement of violence. “Our principles on counter terrorism are stronger than ever,” he said.
When details of the Wani rally — planned for July 8 — emerged on social media, India had expressed its concerns to Britain via a “note verbale,” and Birmingham Council withdrew permission for the rally, saying they had initially taken a booking for a “peaceful rally” but had changed their assessment after assessing the promotional material. India has in the past been critical of decisions by U.K. authorities to allow events perceived as anti-Indian (including by Sikh groups) to take place.
Sir Dominic’s comments come weeks after India’s high commissioner to the U.K. Y.K. Sinha made candid comments about Britain’s past approach to India’s concerns about the source of terrorism on its borders. “India must be recognised as bearing the brunt of this for decades. ..if this isn’t recognised, bilateral cooperation will not be a success,” he had said at a book launch last month.
“The centre of terrorism is on our west and if you don’t recognise that then I’m afraid there is very little we’ll be able to do,” he had said. He also said in India’s view, Britain had become a “haven for fugitives from justice,” and allowing anti-India activity on its soil.
‘Living bridge’
Turning to the bilateral relationship more widely, Sir Dominic said the expansive, and long-standing “living bridge” between the two countries belied the perception that Britain wanted India’s business, not its people, arguing that many of the connections were happening below the radar. “There’s an endless set of strands…a living bridge,” he said.
He expressed his optimism about the potential for the growth of the relationship including trade, highlighting the joint trade review —involving businesses and governments — that was looking at potential post-Brexit opportunities for growth, including beyond the traditional free trade agreement model. While it was work in progress, a run through or assessment of the plan was likely to take place before the year-end.
He added that he believed the Commonwealth Summit due to take place in London in April next year, presented another significant opportunity to further relations.
