UK Condemns Security Breach by Pro-Khalistan Protesters During S Jaishankar's Visit

UK Condemns Security Breach: India took a strong exception to the Khalistani sympathisers breaching security at External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in London, saying it expected the UK to honour its diplomatic commitments.

“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 upto their diplomatic obligations,” the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said.

The incident happened when a bunch of pro-Khalistan extremists tried to disrupt Jaishankar's visit to speak at Chatham House in London. The breach occurred as the External Affairs Minister was leaving the venue after the event.

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An online video features an individual charging aggressively toward S. Jaishankar's convoy. Taking advantage of police officers' momentary freeze, the protester torn a piece of the tricolour right before the convoy while others in the group screamed slogans from a distance.

Another video has surfaced showing Khalistani extremists protesting outside the venue where Jaishankar was engaged in discussions. The protesters can be seen waving flags and shouting pro-Khalistani slogans.

Earlier, Jaishankar held talks with UK Secretary of State for Home Yvette Cooper on trafficking and extremism, it was claimed, including the activities of Khalistan separatists in Britain, which India has been repeatedly raising with British authorities.

After the meeting, Jaishankar shared on X (formerly Twitter), "We discussed the flow of talent, people-to-people exchanges, and joint efforts in tackling trafficking and extremism."

The UK has decried the security breach saying attempts to "intimidate, threaten or disrupt" public events are "completely unacceptable."

"We strongly condemn the incident that took place outside Chatham House yesterday (Wednesday) during the External Affairs Minister's visit to the UK," a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said.

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While upholding the right to public protest, anything such as intimidation, threats and disruption to public events would be completely unacceptable.

"The Metropolitan Police acted swiftly to address the situation, and we remain fully committed to ensuring the security of all our diplomatic visitors, in line with our international obligations," the spokesperson said.

A Met Police spokesperson added: "As the Minister left the event, a protester ran in front of his stationary car waving a flag. He was quickly intercepted by officers and moved out of the way.

"He did not get close to the Minister, who was able to leave the area without further incident. There were no arrests."

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