A pro-Khalistan protester attempted to breach security while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was leaving Chatham House in London. India condemned the incident, urging the host country to fulfill its diplomatic obligations. The UK condemned the actions as unacceptable, stressing that while peaceful protests are allowed, intimidation is not.
On March 6, 2025, a pro-Khalistan protester attempted to breach the security perimeter around External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar as he departed from Chatham House in London. The Indian government condemned this incident, expressing disapproval of how certain individuals misuse democratic freedoms and urging the host country to uphold its diplomatic responsibilities.
The United Kingdom’s authorities also condemned the incident, labeling such actions of intimidation and disruption as unacceptable. The protest unfolded as Jaishankar was leaving the venue, with a video purportedly capturing a man approaching his vehicle while bearing an Indian flag. Police quickly restrained the individual, amidst shouts from a group of protesters waving pro-Khalistan flags.
Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, stated, “We have seen the footage of a breach of security during the visit of the External Affairs Minister to the UK. We condemn the provocative activities of this small group of separatists and extremists.” He further emphasized that the Indian government expects the host nation to fulfill its diplomatic obligations.
A spokesperson for the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office remarked, “We strongly condemn the incident that took place outside Chatham House… 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 reported that the protester had not come close to Jaishankar, who was able to safely exit without further issue. The incident comes on the heels of previous pro-Khalistan protests outside the Indian High Commission in London, which had seen similar displays of dissent in the past.
The incident involving a pro-Khalistan protester breaching security during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to London highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding pro-Khalistan activities. Both Indian and UK authorities have condemned the actions, reaffirming the importance of maintaining security during diplomatic visits. This event raises concerns about the balance between the right to protest and public safety, calling for both nations to uphold their diplomatic commitments.
Original Source: indianexpress.com