India Condemns Security Breach During S Jaishankar’s London Visit, Demands UK Fulfill Diplomatic Obligations
India has taken a strong stance against a security breach during the visit of its External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, in London, as a pro-Khalistani protester disrupted the minister’s motorcade and attempted to break through police barriers. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening as Jaishankar was leaving the renowned Chatham House, where he had concluded an interaction session.
According to sources, the British charge d’affaires at the High Commission was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs and served a demarche, a formal diplomatic protest, over the breach of security. The Indian government condemned the incident, urging the UK to uphold its diplomatic obligations in such situations and reiterating its concerns over the "misuse of democratic freedoms" by a small group of separatist elements.
The minister’s visit to the UK is the first leg of a six-day trip aimed at strengthening bilateral ties with the UK and Ireland. However, the security breach marred an otherwise uneventful visit. A group of pro-Khalistan protesters, waving yellow flags, gathered near Chatham House, shouting anti-India slogans. As Jaishankar’s motorcade approached, a tall, bearded man attempted to break through the police cordon, attempt to block the motorcade, and even tore an Indian flag. He was swiftly taken away by Metropolitan Police officers.
The British foreign ministry also condemned the incident, describing attempts to disrupt public events as "completely unacceptable." This is not the first instance of a security breach by pro-Khalistan elements. In March 2023, a group of protesters pulled down the Indian flag at the Indian High Commission in London, which led to India summoning the senior-most British diplomat in Delhi and requesting an explanation for the lack of security at the mission.
India has consistently urged the UK to take action against pro-Khalistani elements operating from British soil. "We condemn the provocative activities of this small group of separatists and extremists," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. "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 incident has raised concerns over the safety and security of visiting dignitaries, particularly in the context of increasing demands for attention to the Khalistan movement. India’s concern is echoed by the UK government, which has also condemned the attempts to disrupt public events. As the diplomatic spat unfolds, India’s stand on security and the misuse of democratic freedoms is likely to gain international attention.
Original Source: https://www.india.com/news/world/india-serves-demarche-on-british-charge-daffaires-after-protester-disrupts-jaishankars-london-visit-7661165/
Category : World,S Jaishankar
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Publish Date: 2025-03-06 22:42:00
