The United Kingdom’s reluctance to condemn Sikh extremist groups responsible for the recent attack on the Indian High Commission in London and the desecration of the national flag may cost Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government a lucrative trade deal with India.

According to a report from The Times on Monday (10 April), India has withdrawn from trade negotiations with Britain due to allegations that the country failed to denounce the group responsible for the attack, which occurred on 19 March. The incident involved protesters carrying ‘Khalistan’ banners who removed the Indian flag from the building.

The report, which was based on information provided by sources within the British government, revealed that the Indian government is currently unwilling to engage in any discussions about trade until they receive a clear and unequivocal public condemnation of Khalistan extremism in the UK.

“Indians don’t want to talk about trade until they get a very public demonstration of condemnation of Khalistan extremism in the UK,” the quoted a Whitehall source as saying.

The Ministry of External Affairs has not confirmed the development.