Chandigarh, August 12, 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and UK Member of Parliament and Chairman of the UK Parliament’s Defence Committee, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, held detailed discussions in Chandigarh on key issues concerning Punjab and the Punjabi diaspora, including speedy resolution of NRI issues, strengthening air connectivity through Amritsar and Chandigarh airports, enhancing cargo and commercial services, tackling threats and extortion targeting calls and making greater use of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor to promote regional peace.
The meeting was held at the CM office in Punjab Legislative Assembly complex, during the ongoing session, where Dhesi had been specially invited to witness the proceedings. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann accorded him a warm welcome and appreciated his contribution while addressing the Assembly.
During the meeting detailed discussions were held on a range of issues concerning Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Punjab’s development, international air connectivity, investment by the Punjabi diaspora and regional peace.
Dhesi raised concerns regarding the difficulties being faced by NRIs, particularly in matters relating to land and property disputes in Punjab. He emphasised the need for an effective mechanism to ensure that such cases are resolved within a fixed timeframe so that NRIs do not have to make repeated visits to Punjab or remain involved in prolonged litigation.
He also proposed that Punjab’s international airports, particularly Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh, should be effectively used as major aviation hubs serving the entire North India region. He stressed the need to substantially increase direct international flight connectivity from London, Birmingham and other major international destinations to both airports.
The discussions also covered measures to encourage greater investment in Punjab by the Punjabi diaspora and to strengthen international cargo and commercial air services. Dhesi highlighted the potential of improved air connectivity and cargo infrastructure to boost trade, tourism, industry and employment in the state.
Dhesi further expressed concern over threats and extortion demands allegedly targeting businesspersons and sports promoters. He called for coordinated efforts by the governments of India, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the United States to address such issues effectively and ensure the safety and confidence of the Punjabi diaspora and the business community.
Views were also exchanged about opening of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and on the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region. Dhesi was accompanied during the meeting by Parmjeet Singh Raipur, Member of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
UK MP Tan Dhesi meets Punjab CM ; discusses NRI issues – air connectivity and Punjab’s development
