New Delhi/London, March 6 — The Centre has strongly condemned a security breach during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to the United Kingdom, denouncing the actions of a “small group of separatists and extremists” who staged a protest outside Chatham House in London on Wednesday.
Pro-Khalistan demonstrators, carrying flags and loudspeakers, chanted slogans outside the venue while Jaishankar participated in a discussion.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement, saying, “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.”
Jaishankar Continues Diplomatic Talks
Despite the protests, Jaishankar proceeded with his scheduled meetings, engaging with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and other senior leaders. On Tuesday, he met UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to discuss issues such as talent mobility, counter-trafficking efforts, and extremism.
“A good meeting with Home Secretary @YvetteCooperMP today in London. We discussed the flow of talent, people-to-people exchanges, and joint efforts in tackling trafficking and extremism,” Jaishankar posted on social media platform X.
During his meeting with Starmer at 10 Downing Street, Jaishankar conveyed “warm greetings” from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed bilateral and global issues, including economic cooperation and the Ukraine conflict.
Recurring Khalistani Protests in UK
This is not the first instance of pro-Khalistan demonstrations in London. In January, similar groups staged a protest outside the Indian High Commission. In a separate incident, Khalistani groups stormed a cinema in Harrow, attempting to disrupt the screening of Emergency, a film featuring BJP leader Kangana Ranaut.
Addressing these incidents, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s concerns over violent protests and intimidation by “anti-India elements” in the UK.
“Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively, and those obstructing it must be held accountable,” Jaiswal said.
Jaishankar’s UK visit, part of a broader diplomatic tour covering the UK and Ireland, also included discussions on the progress of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
