India rejects UK report alleging transnational repression

New Delhi: India on Friday dismissed a British parliamentary report that named it among countries allegedly involved in “transnational repression” in the UK.

Responding to media queries about the report, released on Wednesday by the UK Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the allegations “baseless”.

“These claims stem from unverified and dubious sources, predominantly linked to proscribed entities and individuals with a clear, documented history of anti-India hostility,” Jaiswal said. “The deliberate reliance on discredited sources calls into question the credibility of the report itself.”

The report, which mainly focuses on China, Russia and Iran, also lists India along with Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey among 12 countries accused of targeting political opponents, activists and journalists in the UK. It alleges misuse of Interpol’s Red Notice system for political purposes and says such actions instil fear and curb freedom of expression.

The report’s appendices cite sources including Sikhs for Justice, a UK-based pro-Khalistan group banned in India under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, along with other Sikh advocacy groups.

The UK Home Office said it treats transnational repression as a serious threat to national security and sovereignty. “Any attempts by a foreign state to coerce, intimidate, harass or harm individuals on UK soil are considered a threat to our national security and sovereignty, and will not be tolerated,” a spokesperson said, according to PTI.

Interpol stated that it has “robust processes” to ensure all notices comply with its regulations. “Our constitution forbids Interpol from undertaking activities of a political, military, religious or racial character and all our databases and activities must also comply with the universal declaration for human rights,” a spokesperson said.