UK Parliamentary Panel Flags India Among 12 Nations Linked to Transnational Repression

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A British parliamentary committee has raised concerns about the growing threat of transnational repression (TNR) acts by foreign governments targeting individuals and communities beyond their borders, naming India among 12 countries accused of engaging in such activity on UK soil. The report, published Wednesday by the Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR), underscores mounting evidence of intimidation tactics used to suppress dissent and silence voices abroad.

The committee’s report, titled “Transnational Repression in the UK,” outlines the findings of its inquiry into foreign interference in the UK, with a focus on the intimidation and surveillance of diaspora communities. The document cites “credible evidence” alleging that India, along with countries such as China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan, has been involved in such efforts. The report claims these activities have had a chilling effect, limiting freedom of expression and movement for those targeted while eroding their sense of safety.

Specifically, the reference to India pertains to Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a pro-Khalistan organisation that has been designated an “unlawful association” under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The UAPA is India’s primary counter-terrorism legislation. The report includes evidence submitted about alleged harassment of individuals affiliated with or sympathetic to SFJ in the UK. As of publication, the Indian government has not issued a response to the committee’s claims.

The Joint Committee on Human Rights is a cross-party body within the UK Parliament tasked with examining human rights issues and assessing the human rights compatibility of proposed legislation. The panel reports that the number of state-threat investigations conducted by MI5, the UK’s domestic intelligence agency, has risen by 48% since 2022, suggesting an uptick in suspected foreign operations on British soil.

Beyond India, the committee named 11 other nations reportedly involved in TNR activity in the UK: Bahrain, China, Egypt, Eritrea, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. The committee also received submissions alleging that several countries systematically misused INTERPOL, the International Criminal Police Organisation, mechanisms, such as Red Notices, to target dissidents. Among the most frequent abusers of INTERPOL’s system, according to the report, were China, Russia, and Turkey. Additional allegations of misuse involved Algeria, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, and Venezuela.

The report calls on the UK government to take stronger measures to protect individuals within its borders from foreign state coercion and to improve oversight of international law enforcement tools to prevent political misuse.