A leaked report from the UK Home Office has sparked diplomatic tensions, as it categorizes Hindu nationalism or Hindutva extremism alongside pro-Khalistani extremism and other forms of radical ideologies.

India has taken exception to the inclusion of Hindu nationalism as a potential extremist threat.

The Leaked Home Office Report

The section titled “Understand” lists nine types of extremism, including Islamist extremism, extreme right-wing extremism, extreme misogyny, pro-Khalistani extremism, Hindu nationalist extremism, environmental extremism, left-wing, anarchist, and single-issue extremism (LASI), violence fascination, and conspiracy theories.

Among these, Hindu nationalist extremism has been highlighted for the first time in a major UK policy document, according to a study by the Policy Exchange think tank titled“Extremely Confused: The Governments New Counter-Extremism Review Revealed.”The report references the2022 Leicester riots, where nearly 200 Hindu men, some masked, marched through the citys Highfield area chanting “Jai Shri Ram,” a phrase commonly used in Hindu religious devotion but also associated with anti-Muslim violence in India. The unrest led to clashes between Hindu and Muslim groups.

The Policy Exchange report acknowledges the UK government’s position that supporting a Sikh state of Khalistan is not inherently extremist, but states that concerns arise when such advocacy turns to violence. However, it also warns against an evolving landscape within the Khalistani movement, citing a “growing portfolio of actors of concern” and highlighting issues such as “demonization of Muslim communities” through conspiracy theories and allegations of collusion between the British and Indian governments.

India has consistently raised concerns about pro-Khalistani extremism, particularly given the rise in activities by separatist groups advocating violence against the Indian state. New Delhi has repeatedly called on London to crack down on anti-India elements operating within the UK, including allegedly pro-Khalistani groups involved invandalizing Indian diplomatic missions.

The controversy underscores the broader challenge Western nations face in distinguishing between nationalist movements, religious identity, and extremism within multicultural societies. With the prominance of Hindu and Sikh diaspora populations in the UK, tensions related to political and religious affiliations are becoming increasingly significant in shaping domestic and foreign policy discussions.