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The United Kingdom strongly condemned the security breach by Khalistan extremists during Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's visit. The incident took place outside Chatham House in London on Wednesday evening, drawing sharp reactions from both the UK and India.
UK Government's Response
A spokesperson for the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) denounced the breach, emphasizing that while peaceful protests are a fundamental right, any attempt to intimidate, threaten, or disrupt public events is unacceptable.
Official Statement:
"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."
India’s Reaction: MEA Calls for Action
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called on the UK to uphold its diplomatic responsibilities after a protester attempted to breach security as Jaishankar was leaving Chatham House. The protester, part of a small group chanting pro-Khalistan slogans and waving separatist flags, was quickly restrained by police.
The incident occurred shortly after Jaishankar concluded discussions with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Chevening House. Their talks covered a range of bilateral topics, including the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, regional security, and global issues.
Community Outrage Over the Incident
The security breach sparked criticism from various quarters, including INSIGHT UK, a prominent community organization.
In a statement, INSIGHT UK called the breach “shameful,” particularly as it followed Jaishankar’s productive discussions with UK officials on strengthening Indo-UK relations. The group shared footage of the incident on social media, condemning the attack on diplomatic protocols.
Despite the disruption, UK authorities acted swiftly, reinforcing their commitment to ensuring the safety of visiting dignitaries. The incident highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining security amid rising extremist activities.
