Security Breach During Jaishankar’s UK Visit: MEA Condemns ‘Misuse of Democratic Freedoms’

Security Breach During Jaishankar’s UK Visit: MEA Condemns ‘Misuse of Democratic Freedoms’

A security breach during External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar’s visit to the United Kingdom has drawn strong condemnation from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The breach occurred outside Chatham House in London, where pro-Khalistan extremists staged protests, attempting to disrupt the minister’s engagement. The MEA has denounced these actions, calling on the UK government to uphold its diplomatic responsibilities.

MEA's Strong Response

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal issued an official statement on Thursday, criticizing the actions of what he described as a “small group of separatists and extremists.” The statement emphasized India’s disapproval of such incidents and called for appropriate action from the host government.

“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,” the statement read.

Security Breach Details

During Jaishankar’s departure from Chatham House, a pro-Khalistan extremist aggressively ran towards his convoy and tore an Indian flag in front of police officers. The individual took advantage of the initial hesitation from security personnel before being apprehended. A video circulating online shows the protester’s actions, as well as others in his group chanting slogans at a distance.

Another video shared by news agency ANI depicted a larger group of pro-Khalistan extremists demonstrating outside Chatham House, waving flags and voicing their demands. Despite the disruption, Jaishankar’s official engagements continued as planned.

Jaishankar’s Key Meetings and Discussions

Despite the protests, Jaishankar’s visit to the UK remained focused on strengthening diplomatic ties. He participated in a session titled “India’s Rise and Role in the World”, where he addressed global issues, including international trade and geopolitics.

Addressing questions on trade relations, Jaishankar remarked on the evolving global order, stating, “We see a president and an administration which, in our parlance, is moving towards multipolarity, and that is something that suits India.” He also noted that Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal was in Washington for discussions on a bilateral trade agreement following prior talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump.

Earlier in his UK visit, Jaishankar met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, conveying warm greetings from PM Modi. Their discussions covered a wide range of topics, including bilateral cooperation and the UK’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The security breach during Jaishankar’s UK visit has highlighted concerns over extremist activities targeting Indian officials abroad. While the MEA has strongly condemned the incident, it has also urged the UK government to ensure the safety of diplomatic engagements. Despite these disruptions, Jaishankar’s visit continues with a focus on enhancing India-UK relations and discussing key global issues.

(With inputs from agencies)