India has strongly condemned the “provocative activities” of separatists and extremists after footage surfaced showing a security breach during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to the UK. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed its concerns, highlighting the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements and emphasizing the expectation that the host government fulfill its diplomatic obligations in these cases.
“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,” stated an MEA spokesperson.
The incident occurred outside Chatham House in London, where Jaishankar was engaged in a discussion on India’s evolving foreign policy and regional and global economic challenges. Pro-Khalistan protestors staged a demonstration outside the venue, chanting slogans and displaying flags, as Jaishankar participated in the event inside.
This protest follows a series of similar actions, including a January protest outside the Indian High Commission in London and the disruption of a film screening in Harrow by pro-Khalistan extremists. In response to these incidents, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed concerns about the violence and intimidation carried out by anti-India elements. He reiterated India’s call for the UK government to take appropriate action against the responsible parties.
In 2023, Khalistani supporters had violently attacked the Indian High Commission in London, allegedly in retaliation for actions taken by Punjab police against separatist leader Amritpal Singh. India continues to engage with the UK government to ensure the safety and security of its community members and to address these ongoing issues.