India Denies UK Parliamentary Committee’s Claims of Transnational Repression

On Friday, India dismissed allegations made by a UK parliamentary committee, describing the report accusing New Delhi of involvement in transnational repression as “unfounded.” The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that these assertions are based on “unverified and questionable sources,” mostly linked to banned groups and individuals with a well-documented record of hostility towards India.

The Joint Committee on Human Rights, in its report published on July 30, mentioned receiving evidence alleging that several countries—including Bahrain, China, Egypt, Eritrea, India, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—have engaged in acts of transnational repression on UK soil.

Addressing questions related to India’s mention in the report, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have reviewed the references to India in the report and categorically reject these baseless accusations. The claims arise from unverified and unreliable sources, mainly associated with proscribed entities and individuals with a documented history of anti-India hostility. The heavy reliance on discredited sources undermines the report’s credibility.”

The Joint Committee on Human Rights, in its findings, urged stronger measures to curb the rise of transnational repression (TNR). The committee cautioned that foreign governments are becoming increasingly assertive in efforts to intimidate and silence individuals and communities within the UK and called on the British government to intensify its efforts to protect and assist victims.