India and UK Step Up Measures to Block Khalistan Funding

December 6, 2025

New Delhi: India is confident that the United Kingdom will go all out to tackle the Khalistan movement, which is active in the country. The sanctioning of British businessman Gurpreet Singh Rehal and the Babbar Akali Lehar (BAL) are seen as early signs of a broader crackdown in the UK, officials say.

The crackdown follows a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in October. Modi had emphasized that violent extremism should not be allowed to exploit the freedoms provided by societies.

Crackdown Targets Funding and Propaganda

Indian and UK intelligence agencies say the action is aimed at tightening the financial network of the Khalistan movement abroad. For the first time, the UK has used its Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime against Singh. Many businessmen have been funding the movement, facilitating arms purchases and running online propaganda networks under the guise of legitimate businesses.

Discussions between India and the UK emphasized the importance of disrupting financial networks. Huge sums pumped in by sympathizers have kept the movement alive. Officials note that while the Khalistanis have long claimed free speech, their activities often involve violence.

The sanctions are seen as a major boost for India. Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby said, “We will not stand by while terrorists exploit Britain’s financial system… The UK stands firmly with peaceful communities against those who promote violence and hatred.”

BAL Sanctioned to Cripple BKI

Gurpreet Singh and other businessmen have funded Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which spread violent ideology and conduct online campaigns and referendums for a Khalistan nation. Officials said stopping online propaganda requires choking finances first. The UK is identifying and sanctioning funders before targeting core operatives.

The first step was sanctioning BAL, closely linked to BKI. Security officials hope these measures will largely cripple the group. The sanctions immediately freeze assets, meaning all funds and economic resources owned, held, or controlled by them in the UK stand frozen.