New Delhi, December 8, 2025 – India has warmly welcomed the United Kingdom's decision to impose sanctions on pro-Khalistan extremist networks linked to the banned Babbar Khalsa group. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) views this action as a significant stride in bolstering global efforts against terrorism and illicit financial flows.

The UK Treasury Department's sanctions target Gurpreet Singh Rehal, a British national, and an organization named Babbar Akali Lehar. This marks the first instance of the UK utilizing its domestic counter-terrorism regime to disrupt funding for the pro-Khalistan Babbar Khalsa.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during a weekly press briefing on Monday, conveyed New Delhi's appreciation for London's action against individuals and entities involved in anti-India activities. He emphasized that this step would contribute significantly to enhancing security and counter-terrorism cooperation between the two nations.

The sanctions imposed by the UK include an asset freeze and director disqualification against Gurpreet Singh Rehal, who is suspected of being involved with organizations engaged in terrorist activities within India. Rehal is allegedly involved in Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar's activities, including promoting, encouraging, and carrying out recruitment, providing financial services, and procuring weapons and military materials. The UK Treasury also announced an asset freeze against Babbar Akali Lehar, an organization accused of promoting and supporting Babbar Khalsa.

The UK government has assessed that Babbar Akali Lehar is associated with Babbar Khalsa's terrorist activities by promoting, encouraging, and carrying out recruitment for the group. As a result of these sanctions, all funds and economic resources in the UK owned, held, or controlled by Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar are now subject to an asset freeze. UK individuals and entities are prohibited from dealing with these assets or providing financial services to them, potentially facing up to seven years in jail for violations. Rehal is also barred from acting as a company director or participating in company management.

Lucy Rigby KC MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, stated that the UK will not stand by while terrorists exploit Britain's financial system and that the UK stands firmly with peaceful communities against those who promote violence and hatred.

Babbar Khalsa, also known as Babbar Khalsa International, is a proscribed terrorist organization. The UK's action is a result of close collaboration between HM Treasury and policing partners, demonstrating the government's determination to protect national security and peaceful communities affected by terrorism. The sanctions against Rehal extend to organizations owned by him, namely Saving Punjab, Whitehawk Consultations Ltd, and Loha Designs.