The UK will not tolerate attempts by foreign countries to harass or intimidate British citizens, the security minister has warned, after a number of Sikhs complained they were being targeted either by or on behalf of the Indian government.

Dan Jarvis has written to the Sikh Federation after reports of harassment involving British Sikhs, including people being stopped at UK airports and asked about their views on the Indian state.

Jarvis also urged the Indian government to cooperate with Canadian investigations into the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian-based Sikh activist whom Ottawa believes was killed with the involvement of the Indian government.

In his letter dated 10 December, Jarvis wrote: “We do not tolerate intimidation or threats to life, and through our intelligence agencies and police forces will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to keep people safe. Any attempt by any foreign power to intimidate, harass or harm individuals or communities in the UK will not be tolerated.”