India-UK NSAs hold Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi, agree on Khalistan and Hormuz cooperation

National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval hosted his United Kingdom counterpart Mr Jonathan Powell in New Delhi for the annual India-UK Strategic Dialogue on 23-24 April 2026. The two NSAs reviewed implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the India-UK Defence Industrial Roadmap.

Two issues took centre-stage. First, both sides agreed to step up cooperation against pro-Khalistan extremism, including action against violent activities and intimidation of Indian diplomats and missions abroad. Second, they discussed threats to maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz, the chokepoint through which a large share of West Asian crude transits, amid renewed tension in the region.

Other tracks covered cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, niche maritime technologies for the Indo-Pacific, and critical & emerging technologies. External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar also held a separate meeting with Mr Powell.

Exam angle: The India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was elevated in 2021 under the Roadmap 2030. Strait of Hormuz separates the Persian Gulf from the Gulf of Oman, lying between Iran (north) and Oman/UAE (south); about 20-25% of global oil moves through it, so any closure threat directly hits India's energy security. The IFC-IOR (Gurugram) and the Indian Navy's Mission Sankalp escort missions in the Gulf of Aden / Northern Arabian Sea are linked themes. Aspirants should also note: Jonathan Powell is the UK NSA; Ajit Doval was reappointed India's NSA in 2024.