LONDON: India has asked Britain to take firm steps in curbing the activities of Sikhs operating from the British soil if congenial political and economic relations were to be forged.
“Unless there is right political climate, there cannot be economic cooperation” said a message from Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, conveyed to British Premier Margaret Thatcher by Indian commerce Minister Dinesh Singh when he called on her at 10 Downing Street here on Sunday night.
During the 45 minute meeting, Singh told Thatcher about the serious concern in India over the anti-Indian activities of some Sikhs in Britain and said people of India expected a clear signal from her for a better understanding of the problems the country was faced with. Later, speaking to newsmen, Singh said: “I found Mrs. Thatcher very responsive,” She fully shared India’s concern of the problem of violence in Punjab, he said.
Asked if he asked Thatcher to take any specific measures like banning of TV interviews with the Sikh separatists, Singh said: “It is for her to decide (the) steps within the framework of the British law. We are interested in a political message which should be clearly reflected in India.”
A spokesman for 10 Downing Street said Singh discussed Indo-British relations and matters of common concern and explored new areas of bilateral cooperation with Thatcher.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 11, 1988
