India Welcomes UK Sanctions Against Anti-India Extremist Entities

UK Imposes Sanctions on Pro-Khalistan Linked Individuals and Group

The United Kingdom government announced on Thursday, December 4, 2025, its decision to impose sanctions on British Sikh businessman Gurpreet Singh Rehal and the group Babbar Akali Lehar. These sanctions were enacted under the UK's 'Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime', specifically the Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, marking the first instance of its use against entities linked to pro-Khalistan extremism.

The measures include an asset freeze and director disqualification for Gurpreet Singh Rehal, who is suspected of involvement in organizations carrying out terrorism in India. An asset freeze was also imposed on Babbar Akali Lehar. The UK Treasury stated that Rehal is assessed to be involved in the terrorist activities of Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar, including promoting, encouraging, recruiting for, providing financial services to, and purchasing weapons and military material. Babbar Akali Lehar is considered associated with and involved in Babbar Khalsa's terrorist activities through promotion, encouragement, and recruitment.

India Applauds UK's Decisive Action

India officially welcomed the UK's sanctions on Monday, December 8, 2025. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), stated during a media briefing that these steps 'strengthen the global fight against terrorism and extremism and help to curb illicit financial flows and transnational crime networks'. Jaiswal emphasized that 'Such individuals and entities pose a threat not just to India and the UK but to people across the world,' and expressed India's anticipation of 'continuing to work very closely with the UK side in further strengthening our counter-terrorism and security cooperation.'

Broader Context of Counter-Terrorism Cooperation

The UK's action follows ongoing discussions and concerns raised by India regarding Khalistani extremist elements operating from British soil. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously addressed the issue with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during talks in Mumbai in October. The sanctions underscore a shared commitment to combating terrorism, with Lucy Rigby, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, stating, 'We will not stand by while terrorists exploit Britain's financial system.' She further added that this 'landmark action shows we are prepared to use every tool at our disposal to choke off funding for terrorism, wherever it occurs and whoever is responsible.'

Implications of the Sanctions

The sanctions prohibit all UK persons and entities from dealing with any funds or economic resources owned, held, or controlled by Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar, or from making funds, economic resources, and financial services available to them. Violations of these sanctions can lead to severe penalties, including up to seven years' imprisonment or civil penalties of up to £1 million or 50% of the breach value. Babbar Khalsa, also known as Babbar Khalsa International, is already a proscribed terrorist organization under UK law.