External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to London witnessed a serious security breach when pro-Khalistan protesters attempted to disrupt his event at Chatham House. The incident took place as Jaishankar was leaving the venue on 6 March, where a protester ran towards his vehicle and tore the Indian national flag in front of the police. The swift response from the UK authorities prevented further escalation.
The Indian government strongly condemned the incident, calling it an act of provocation by separatist elements. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged the UK to ensure the safety of Indian diplomats and prevent such disruptive activities in the future.
This is not the first time such protests have taken place. The Indian government has previously raised concerns about Khalistani extremists misusing democratic freedoms in foreign countries.
The UK government quickly addressed the issue, stating that while peaceful protests are allowed, any form of intimidation or violence is unacceptable. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) assured India that the Metropolitan Police took immediate action and will continue to uphold diplomatic security obligations.
The repeated incidents involving Khalistani supporters remain a point of tension in India-UK relations. India has urged the UK to take stricter measures to prevent such incidents, emphasizing the need for stronger security around Indian diplomats and events.
While this incident did not lead to any direct harm, it raises concerns about the safety of Indian officials abroad. The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation and expects the UK to take necessary actions to prevent future disruptions.
