Keir Starmer slapped down by Indian diplomat over Pakistan war: 'Should do more!'

The Prime Minister has been urged to be 'more visible' (Image: Getty)

Sir Keir Starmer has been told that he could do more by a former Indian diplomat over the country's tensions with Pakistan. Pankaj Saran, former deputy national security advisor and ambassador to Bangladesh and Russia, told the Express this morning: "Yes, we'd love to have more support." He added that, so far, the UK's response has been "okay", but urged British ministers to be "more visible" and "understanding", lending "support to India's positions". "That will always be welcome," Saran, who was at India House in London as part of a visiting delegation, added.

Asked if he would like to see material support, the ambassador said: "No, not material. Political support. The question, which is very fundamental, about how do you address the problem of terrorism? It's as simple as that, and, if we have a unified voice, so that we do not fall into the trap of double standards, that will be good enough."

Pankaj Saran (left) was part of a visiting delegation to the UK from India (Image: Getty)

"We should be denouncing Pakistan on the basis of what we have been telling them, what's written in the [UN] Security Council resolutions, the whole history in the literature about Pakistan's complicity, how they use all these groups as their strategic assets.

"It's a self-confessed policy."

MP for India's ruling BJP Ravi Shankar Prasad told the media this morning: "We do not wish to escalate."

But he described "Operation Sindoor" - a response to the killing of 26 people by gunmen in an attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, in April, which Pakistan has denied responsibility for - as "paused, not stopped".

This situation depends on "good behaviour" from Pakistan, the MP said.

Prasad also insisted that India's attacks against what have been described as "terrorist camps" have been "proportionate".

Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has previously described India's narrative as false.

The country has also labelled India as the "aggressor", and claimed it is spreading "false narratives".

In May, Sir Keir said: “Rising tensions between India and Pakistan will be of serious concern for many across Britain.

“We are engaging urgently with both countries as well as other international partners, encouraging dialogue, de-escalation and the protection of civilians.”

Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged India and Pakistan to “show restraint and engage in direct dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward”.

Mr Lammy added that he had “made clear to my counterparts in India and Pakistan that if this escalates further, nobody wins”.

He also said: “The UK was clear in its condemnation of the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam last month. We need all sides to work urgently to see regional stability restored and ensure protection of civilians.”