India Condemns Security Breach During Jaishankar’s UK Visit

India has strongly condemned the security breach during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to the UK, where pro-Khalistani supporters attempted to disrupt his event at Chatham House, London.

The UK government and Metropolitan Police swiftly addressed the situation, emphasizing that any form of intimidation or threat is unacceptable. The breach took place when a pro-Khalistani protester tried to break through barricades, while others chanted anti-India slogans as Jaishankar exited the venue following his interactive session.

India’s Response: Calling for Diplomatic Accountability

India has urged the UK government to uphold its diplomatic obligations, expressing concern over the misuse of democratic freedoms by Khalistani elements. The incident was widely shared on social media, sparking discussions about rising anti-India protests in the UK.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong statement, reinforcing India’s stance on safeguarding diplomatic visits and warning against extremist elements exploiting democratic rights for disruptive activities.

The Pro-Khalistan Movement: A Growing Concern

The Khalistan movement advocates for an independent Sikh state, separate from India, and has been a contentious issue for decades. While the movement was largely suppressed in India, pro-Khalistan factions remain active in countries like the UK, Canada, and the US.

This protest follows a series of demonstrations by pro-Khalistan groups in London, including an attempt in January 2025 to storm a cinema in Harrow to disrupt the screening of the film Emergency. These activists have repeatedly targeted Indian diplomats and events abroad, raising concerns about extremist influence in diaspora communities.

Jaishankar’s Strategic Discussions with UK Leadership

Despite the disruption, Jaishankar’s visit remained focused on strengthening India-UK ties. Over the past two days, he held discussions with UK officials, including:

• UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper – Discussing counter-trafficking and extremism.

• UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy – Engaging in talks on trade, technology, education, and strategic cooperation.

• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer – Addressing key regional and global issues, including Ukraine, West Asia, and Commonwealth relations.

Jaishankar emphasized that India-UK relations play a crucial role in global stability, underscoring the importance of trade, security, and mobility agreements between the two nations.

India’s Concerns Over UK-Based Extremist Activities

India has consistently raised concerns about rising Khalistani activism in the UK, calling for strict action against violent protests and intimidation tactics. The British government has assured India of reinforced security measures to prevent future incidents targeting diplomatic visits.

Jaishankar’s UK visit, which began on March 5, 2025, will conclude on March 9, 2025. Meanwhile, the UK government faces growing pressure to address the influence of extremist groups and ensure diplomatic security for visiting officials.

 

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