The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday praised the United Kingdom for imposing sanctions on pro-Khalistan extremist networks associated with the banned terror outfit Babbar Khalsa, calling the move an important boost to global counterterrorism cooperation and efforts to curb illicit financial flows.
During the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi appreciates London’s targeted action against individuals and entities involved in anti-India activities.
“We welcome the steps that have been taken by the UK government to sanction anti-India extremist entities, which strengthen the global fight against terrorism and extremism and help to curb illicit financial flows and transnational crime networks,” Jaiswal said.
He stressed that such individuals and organisations pose threats that extend well beyond Indian and British borders. “Such individuals not just pose a threat to India and the UK but to people across the world. We look forward to working closely with the UK side to further strengthen our counter-terrorism and security cooperation,” he added.
UK Targets Babbar Khalsa-Linked Network
The British government last week announced a series of sanctions aimed at disrupting the financial channels of Babbar Khalsa—marking the first time London has applied such measures against the organisation.
As part of the action, the UK imposed:
- An asset freeze and director disqualification on Gurpreet Singh Rehal, suspected of involvement with organisations engaged in terrorism in India.
- An asset freeze on Babbar Akali Lehar, an entity accused of promoting and supporting Babbar Khalsa.
According to the UK Treasury Department, Rehal has been involved in Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar’s terror-linked activities, including recruitment, promotion of extremist narratives, provision of financial services, and the procurement of weapons and other military materiel.
The UK government further noted that Babbar Akali Lehar itself is engaged in promoting and facilitating recruitment activities for Babbar Khalsa.
Sanctions Under UK Counterterrorism Regulations
Following the sanctions, all funds or economic resources in the UK belonging to either Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar are now frozen. Rehal has also been barred from serving as a company director or participating in the management or formation of any company—directly or indirectly.
The measures were imposed under the Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, which empower the UK Treasury to restrict assets and economic activities of individuals and groups suspected of involvement in terrorism. Babbar Khalsa remains a proscribed terrorist organisation under UK law.
