More than 100 British Hindu organisations welcomed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on his arrival in the UK. He reached London on Thursday, the final leg of his three-nation tour.
Bhagwat’s visit is part of the RSS’s international outreach programmes marking 100 years since the organisation was founded. As part of the tour, he has already visited the US and Canada.
British Security Minister Dan Jarvis said in a written parliamentary response on Thursday that Bhagwat’s visit meets the conditions of the UK’s immigration rules.
The response came after British-Indian MP Nadia Whittome asked Parliament last week whether the visit had been fully reviewed in accordance with the relevant rules.
Mohan Bhagwat had addressed an event in Canada on August 31.
Minister Dan Jarvis said the Home Office could not comment on individual cases. However, he said the department was committed to tackling the full range of threats and taking action against those who promote violence or spread ideas that encourage hatred towards individuals and communities.
“All people seeking entry to the UK must meet the requirements of the immigration rules,” he said.
Bhagwat also visited the US in 2018
Mohan Bhagwat previously visited the US in September 2018. He attended the second World Hindu Congress, held in Chicago from 7 to 9 September 2018, which was attended by around 2,500 delegates from 60 countries. Bhagwat delivered the keynote address at the opening session.
Available reports of his 2018 visit do not mention any meeting with US diplomats or any formal diplomatic honours being extended to him. His visit was primarily focused on the World Hindu Congress and related events.
