In London, an incident involving a pro-Khalistani protester attempting to breach security during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit led to swift actions by the Metropolitan Police. Anti-India slogans were shouted as the protester broke through barricades, prompting UK officials to condemn the event and assert that threats to diplomats are unacceptable. India expressed disappointment over the misuse of democratic freedoms and emphasized expectations for the UK to uphold diplomatic obligations. The incident follows previous security breaches involving Khalistani groups, which have raised concerns and led India to demand action against these elements from the UK.
New Delhi:
The UK authorities responded promptly following a security breach involving External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in London, asserting that “any attempt to intimidate and threaten” is wholly unacceptable.
A pro-Khalistani demonstrator tried to breach barricades as others yelled anti-India slogans when Mr. Jaishankar exited Chatham House after an interactive session at the venue, which is affiliated with the Royal Institute of International Affairs, on Wednesday.
According to sources from the UK Foreign Office, the Metropolitan Police acted quickly to manage the situation, condemning the occurrence in the strongest terms.
India has expressed its expectation that the host nation will fully uphold its diplomatic responsibilities in such incidents and condemned the “misuse of democratic freedoms” by individuals associated with Khalistani movements.
“We have observed footage showing a breach of security during the external affairs minister’s visit to the UK,” stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. “We denounce the provocative actions of this small group of separatists and extremists.”
“We condemn the exploitation of democratic freedoms by such individuals. We anticipate that the host government will honor its diplomatic obligations in such scenarios,” Mr. Jaiswal continued.
Social media videos depicted a small group of Khalistani protesters waving yellow flags and chanting slogans against India and Mr. Jaishankar, while the foreign minister remained on the opposite side of the street.
As Mr. Jaishankar was preparing to leave, a tall individual was observed trying to breach the police barrier and rush towards the minister’s motorcade, attempting to obstruct it.
He was promptly removed by police officers.
This incident marks yet another security breach involving Khalistani factions. In March 2023, these groups forcefully removed the national flag from the Indian High Commission in London, provoking a strong response from India.
In the aftermath, India summoned the highest-ranking British diplomat in Delhi to demand an explanation regarding the complete “absence of security” at the mission.
India has consistently urged the UK to take decisive action against Khalistani elements operating from British territory.