The UK has strongly condemned the security breach involving Khalistani extremists during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to London. The incident occurred outside Chatham House on Wednesday when a protester ran towards Jaishankar’s car and tore the Indian flag in front of police officers. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued a statement on Thursday, emphasizing that while the UK upholds the right to peaceful protest, any attempts to intimidate, threaten, or disrupt public events are “completely unacceptable.” The statement also assured that the Metropolitan Police acted swiftly and that the UK remains committed to ensuring the security of diplomatic visitors.
The Indian government responded strongly to the security lapse, calling the actions of the extremists “provocative” and condemning the “misuse of democratic freedoms” by separatist elements. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that it expects the host government to fully uphold its diplomatic obligations. A video circulating online shows the protester aggressively rushing toward Jaishankar’s convoy, tearing the Indian tricolor, while police initially appeared hesitant but later intervened.
Jaishankar’s visit includes extensive discussions with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Chevening House, covering bilateral topics such as strategic coordination, trade negotiations, technology, mobility, and education. During his talk at Chatham House, he firmly rejected the need for third-party mediation in Kashmir, stating that India had already taken significant steps, including the abrogation of Article 370 and economic development in the region. He asserted that the unresolved aspect of the issue lies with Pakistan, stating, “I think the part we are waiting for is the return of the stolen part of Kashmir, which is under an illegal Pakistani occupation. When that’s done, I assure you, Kashmir solved.”
Jaishankar is on an official visit to the UK from March 4 to 9.
