India- UK agree to step up security cooperation during 4th Home Affairs Dialogue
The fourth India-UK Home Affairs Dialogue was held virtually on 10 February. The Indian delegation was led by Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and the UK delegation was led by Mathew Rycroft, Permanent Secretary, Home Office.
The Dialogue covered a wide range of issues including Homeland Security, Cyber Security, Extradition cases, Migration & Mobility, etc. India pressed the British authorities to expedite the pending extradition cases.
The Indian side expressed concern about the anti-India activities of certain extremists and radical elements in the United Kingdom. The UK side was urged to keep a close eye on such elements’ activities and to take appropriate proactive measures. It was agreed that the two countries would maintain enhanced security cooperation. The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to deepen security-related bilateral engagement, the MHA said.
India and the U.K. held their first Home Affairs dialogue in 2017 keeping their focus on the need to further improve the process involved in matters of extradition. The meeting was held as a follow-up to the UK Prime Minister’s visit to India in November 2016 and the commitment of both Prime Ministers for enhanced and strengthened Dialogue.
The Third Home Affairs’ Dialogue between India and U.K. was held in 2018. An important topic was taken up for discussion related to streamlining the process of various categories of visas for Indian Students and highly skilled professionals and other categories. Both sides agreed that there will be further interactions on the issues.
Other Bilateral Institutional Engagements:
In addition, India and UK also regularly meet under the UN Dialogue, Policy Planning Dialogue, Strategic Dialogue, Cyber Dialogue, and Home Affairs Dialogue to discuss cooperation in specific sectoral areas. Both countries have also agreed to hold the First Consular Dialogue in April 2021 but this could not take place due to the Covid-19 situation.
