India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned UK Chargé D’ Affaires Christina Scott on Thursday after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s security was breached by pro-Khalistan supporters while he was leaving in a car after participating in an event at the Chatham House think tank in London.
Hours before, the United Kingdom strongly condemned the breach of security of EAM Jaishankar.
Reacting to the incident, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said, “We strongly condemn the incident that took place outside the Chatham House yesterday during the External Affairs Minister’s visit to the UK. 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.”
Earlier, India also condemned the attempt made by Khalistani protesters to heckle EAM Jaishankar when he was leaving the Chatham House think tank in London.
India stated that it condemned the “provocative activities” and “deplored the misuse of democratic freedoms by the separatists”.
“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,” said a spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs.
A protest was organised by pro-Khalistan supporters outside the venue. In the video, a man was seen approaching the foreign affairs minister’s vehicle and tearing India’s national flag amid the presence of London police officers. The police officers appeared unresponsive to the act of vandalism.
Before the incident, various pro-Khalistan supporters were holding the flags and protesting outside the venue.
Currently, EAM Jaishankar is on an official visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland from March 4 to 9. The visit is aimed at further strengthening India’s diplomatic ties with the two.
