The US yesterday defied the Indian prime minister by upholding a decision to deny a visa to Narendra Modi, Gujarat's controversial chief minister, stating that the BJP politician was linked to "particularly severe violations of religious freedom" during an anti-Muslim pogrom in Gujarat in 2002.

The US's stance leaves Britain under pressure to follow suit as Mr Modi plans to attend a celebration of Gujarati music at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Saturday. British Muslim and human rights groups are protesting at his UK entry.