India Condemns Security Breach as Pro-Khalistan Extremist Tears Flag During Jaishankar’s UK Visit
India has strongly condemned a security breach that took place during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s official visit to the United Kingdom.
On Thursday, a pro-Khalistan extremist managed to break past security barricades and tore the Indian flag in front of the minister’s convoy. The incident, captured on video, quickly went viral online.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong statement against the extremist group’s actions.
“We have seen the footage of a breach of security during the visit of the External Affairs Minister to the UK,” the MEA stated.
“We condemn the provocative activities of this small group of separatists and extremists.” India further criticized the misuse of democratic freedoms by such groups, emphasizing that these actions undermine peaceful discourse.
“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,” the MEA added.
Details of the Incident
The security breach occurred on Wednesday evening when Jaishankar was leaving Chatham House in London after a scheduled discussion.
A man took advantage of a moment of hesitation from police officers and rushed towards the minister’s vehicle.
In a bold act of defiance, he tore the Indian tricolour in front of the convoy while others in his group shouted pro-Khalistani slogans nearby.
The police quickly stepped in and escorted the individual and other extremists away from the scene. A separate video shared by ANI showed pro-Khalistan supporters protesting outside Chatham House, waving flags and chanting slogans.
Jaishankar’s Key UK Visit
Jaishankar’s visit to the UK began on March 4 and is set to conclude on March 9. The visit aims to strengthen India-UK bilateral ties, with discussions covering strategic coordination, trade, technology, education, and cultural exchanges.
During his visit, Jaishankar also addressed critical issues, including Kashmir. At a session at Chatham House, he reaffirmed India’s stance on the region, rejecting any external mediation.
“We believe the unresolved issue is the territory occupied by Pakistan,” Jaishankar stated. “The part we are waiting for is the return of the stolen part of Kashmir, which is under illegal Pakistani occupation. Once that happens, I assure you, Kashmir will be solved.”
India Condemns the Security Lapse
The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated its concerns about the incident, emphasizing the need for the UK to uphold its diplomatic obligations.
“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,” the MEA said in its statement.
“We expect the host government in such cases to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations,” it added.
Despite the disruption, Jaishankar continued his engagements, meeting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and other senior leaders.
Pro-Khalistani Protesters Create Disturbance
The protest by pro-Khalistani supporters had been ongoing outside Chatham House before Jaishankar’s arrival. Protesters were seen chanting slogans and waving Khalistani flags as the minister entered the venue.
On Thursday, Jaishankar participated in an insightful discussion with Bronwen Maddox, Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House. Their conversation covered India’s evolving foreign policy, regional dynamics, and global economic challenges.
UK Government’s Response
The United Kingdom swiftly condemned the security breach. A spokesperson from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated that such attempts to “intimidate, threaten, or disrupt” public events were “completely unacceptable.”
“We strongly condemn the incident that took place outside Chatham House during the External Affairs Minister’s visit to the UK,” the spokesperson said.
“While the UK upholds the right to peaceful protest, any attempts to intimidate, threaten, or disrupt public events are 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.”
Growing Concerns Over Extremism
The incident occurred amid growing concerns about the rising pro-Khalistan movement in the UK.
In recent years, the UK has witnessed an increase in extremist activities, including vandalism of Hindu temples and other Indian institutions.
Jaishankar’s visit aimed to strengthen India-UK relations across multiple sectors, including trade, health, education, people-to-people ties, and defense cooperation.
Following his visit to the UK, Jaishankar will travel to Ireland from March 6 to 7, where he is set to meet Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris, interact with other officials, and engage with the Indian diaspora.
India’s Reaction and Expectations
India has strongly condemned the security breach at Chatham House and urged the UK government to ensure the protection of its diplomatic representatives.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the incident as a breach of security and denounced the “provocative activities” of pro-Khalistan extremists.
“We have seen 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,” Jaiswal stated.
“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.”
