‘License Accorded To Separatists, Indifference To Threats’: MEA On Jaishankar’s Security Breach In UK

The MEA has expressed deep concern over the security breach during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's London visit, where a pro-Khalistan protester attempted to obstruct his motorcade.

File Photo of MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal

Source : PTI

India has lodged a strong protest with the United Kingdom and conveyed deep concerns over a security breach during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to London after a pro-Khalistani protester attempted to break barricades and obstruct his motorcade. 

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a weekly briefing on Friday, said, “We have conveyed our deep concern to the UK authorities about the breach of security arrangements by UK-based separatist and extremist elements during EAM’s visit. There is a larger context to the incident. It brings out both the license accorded to such forces, as well as indifference to their intimidation, threats, and other actions aimed at impeding our legitimate diplomatic activities in the UK.”

“While we have noted the statement issued by the UK Foreign Office on the matter, our view of its sincerity would depend on the action taken against culprits on this and previous occasions,” he added.

Jaishankar’s Security Breach In London And UK's Response

The incident took place on Wednesday evening as Jaishankar was leaving Chatham House, home to the Royal Institute of International Affairs, after an interactive session. A small group of pro-Khalistan protesters holding yellow flags were seen shouting anti-India slogans on the opposite side of the road. A tall, bearded man was captured on video attempting to breach the police cordon, running towards Jaishankar’s motorcade, and trying to block it. The man also tore an Indian flag before being swiftly taken away by Metropolitan Police officers.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday served a demarche to the British charge d'affaires, expressing concern over the incident and urging the UK government to take appropriate action.

New Delhi strongly condemned the security lapse and called on the UK government to fulfil its diplomatic obligations. “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,” Jaiswal said.

The British Foreign Office also issued a statement condemning the incident, stating that attempts to disrupt public events were “unacceptable.” 

This is not the first time pro-Khalistan elements have breached security during Indian diplomatic visits. In March 2023, pro-Khalistani protesters had pulled down the Indian flag at the Indian High Commission in London, prompting India to summon the senior-most British diplomat in Delhi and demand an explanation over the security lapse. India has consistently urged the UK government to take stringent action against separatist elements operating from British soil.