UK Security Minister Tom Tugendhat on Saturday attended the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meet in Kolkata where he said corruption threatens his country's security while damaging global prosperity.
Following the meeting, he tweeted: "It poisons the well of democracy. And it threatens Britain’s security."
"It was a pleasure to address the @G20org today as we work to expose corruption and punish those responsible – together," he said.
The Minister is on a three-day visit to India.
As per a statement issued by the British government, the Minister aims to bolster bilateral cooperation on security initiatives during his visit to the country.
During a meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi on Thursday, Tugendhat announced new funding to enhance the UK’s capability to tackle pro-Khalistan extremism.
The £95,000 (INR 1,00,03,983) investment will enhance the government’s understanding of the threat posed by pro-Khalistan extremism, complementing the joint work already underway between the UK and India through the joint extremism task force.
Security Minister Tom Tugendhat, said: "The living bridge between India and the UK reflects our deep and enduring friendship. As the world’s oldest and largest democracies, we have many shared opportunities to make the world a safer and more prosperous place."
Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, said: "The unique connection between our people brings both huge opportunities and security challenges. Through mechanisms like the Joint Extremism Task Force we are acting jointly on countering threats, including pro-Khalistan extremism, as well as on migration, to keep our people safe."
"Our migration and mobility relationship is a pillar of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which also includes ensuring a free and open Indo Pacific, and tackling the biggest challenges facing the world around climate and health. This is a partnership for now, including India’s G20 Presidency, and for the future," Ellis said.
