Breach Of Security During S Jaishankar’s UK Visit By Pro-Khalistan Protesters, India Reacts

A demonstration was staged by pro-Khalistan protesters outside Chatham House in London, where S Jaishankar participated in a discussion on Wednesday.

The Indian government strongly condemned a security breach during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to the United Kingdom, criticizing the actions of what it termed as a “small group of separatists and extremists.” The incident occurred as pro-Khalistan protesters staged a demonstration outside Chatham House in London, where Mr Jaishankar was participating in a panel discussion on Wednesday. Protestors carrying flags and loudspeakers chanted slogans while the minister engaged in discussions inside the venue.

In a firm statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India denounced the disruptive behavior:

“We have seen the footage of a breach of security during the visit of EAM to the UK. We condemn the provocative activities of this small group of separatists and extremists. We deplore the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements. We expect the host government in such cases to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations.”

Despite the disruption, Mr Jaishankar proceeded smoothly with his scheduled diplomatic engagements. His visit included meetings with senior British political figures, notably UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and other top leaders.

On Tuesday, during a meeting with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Mr Jaishankar discussed crucial issues such as enhancing the flow of talent between India and the UK, fostering stronger people-to-people exchanges, and cooperating in efforts to tackle human trafficking and extremism.

In a post shared on social media platform X, Jaishankar said:

“A good meeting with Home Secretary @YvetteCooperMP today in London. We discussed the flow of talent, people-to-people exchanges, and joint efforts in tackling trafficking and extremism.”

Not the First Such Incident

This recent incident was not the first of its kind involving pro-Khalistan groups in London. Earlier in January, Khalistani extremists held protests outside the Indian High Commission.

Additionally, Khalistani supporters recently stormed a cinema in London’s Harrow area, trying to halt the screening of the film ‘Emergency,’ starring Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, a supporter of India’s ruling BJP. Addressing these incidents, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s concerns about the pattern of violent protests and intimidation by anti-India elements within the UK.

“We consistently raise concerns with the UK Government regarding incidents of violent protest and intimidation by anti-India elements. Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively, and those obstructing it must be held accountable,” Jaiswal stated.

Diplomatic Discussions Continue Unhindered

During his interactions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, Mr Jaishankar conveyed warm greetings from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their discussions spanned various critical bilateral and global matters, including enhancing economic cooperation and strengthening people-to-people ties.

“Discussed taking forward our bilateral, economic cooperation, and enhancing people-to-people exchanges. PM Starmer also shared the UK’s perspective on the Ukraine conflict,” Jaishankar shared.

Mr Jaishankar’s UK visit is part of a broader diplomatic tour covering both the UK and Ireland, aimed at deepening diplomatic ties and tracking the progress of the highly anticipated India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).