Keir Starmer reaffirmed the government’s commitment to not overlooking Jagtar Singh Johal, a British man imprisoned in India for nearly eight years. This statement from the Prime Minister coincided with a plea from Jagtar’s brother, Gurpreet, urging Starmer to take a decisive stand before his crucial discussions with Indian PM Narendra Modi in Mumbai. Jagtar, a 38-year-old Sikh activist from Dumbarton, near Glasgow, was arrested in India in 2017 shortly after his wedding.
Although acquitted in one case earlier this year, Jagtar still faces charges from Indian authorities related to terrorism. Allegations of torture have been made by the British Sikh, and his incarceration was classified as arbitrary detention by a UN panel in 2022.
When asked about Jagtar, the PM responded that the case has not been forgotten and highlighted that discussions were raised during a meeting with Prime Minister Modi in July. The Foreign Secretary has also been engaging with the family. Gurpreet emphasized the need for Starmer to advocate strongly for Jagtar’s release, citing the lack of evidence produced over the past eight years.
Calling for decisive action, Gurpreet stated, “Keir Starmer should firmly demand Jagtar’s return home as the Indians have prolonged his detention without providing any evidence.” The Foreign Office confirmed ongoing efforts to address Mr. Johal’s extended detention through continuous dialogue with the Indian government.
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