India issues firm response to UK's BBC tax survey inquiry

Indian Minister S. Jaishankar firmly replied to UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, who raised the issue of searches on BBC offices in India and said that all the entities operating in India "must comply fully with relevant laws and regulations."

"He was firmly told that all entities operating in India must comply fully with relevant laws and regulations," sources stated quoting Jaishankar. While meeting with Jaishankar, Cleverly raised the issue of searches on BBC offices in India.

Cleverly is currently in India to attend the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting and brought up the issue of the BBC tax searches during his meeting with Jaishankar, sources told ANI.

In February this year, Income Tax authorities conducted searches at the offices of the British broadcaster in New Delhi and Mumbai.

Speaking to ANI in an exclusive interview, Cleverly said that BBC is an independent organisation and is separate from the UK Government.
"I didn't see the documentary but I've seen reactions in UK and India. BBC is an independent organisation and separate from the government. I enjoy a strong personal relationship with Dr Jaishankar...relationship between UK-India growing stronger by the day," said Cleverly when asked about the BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The BBC had in January this year released the documentary film titled 'India: The Modi Question," which features the Gujarat riots of 2002. The film caused controversy for alluding to the leadership of Modi as chief minister during the riots while disregarding the clean chit given by the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile speaking on Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK, Cleverly said, "We do a lot of business with India and are working extensively. I'll be meeting India's trade secretary. We want to make sure this trade agreement really benefits both the countries and unlocks billions of pounds of bilateral trade."

Cleverly added that the UK looks forward to bringing the trade agreement to a conclusion in due course of time.

Commending India's G20 presidency Cleverly said it is quite exciting and the event holds has fantastic opportunities.

"This is a great opportunity to talk about sustainable economic agenda and green agenda," he said.

(ANI)