'Licence Accorded To Such Forces In UK': MEA On Jaishankar's Security Breach By Khalistani Protestors
The Ministry of External Affairs expressed concerns over the security breach of Jaishankar in London and called for action against those involved in the incident.
India on Friday expressed concerns over the breach of security of External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in London by Khalistani protestors and said that the incident highlights the “licence accorded to such forces" in United Kingdom.
Taking a firm view on the statement issued by the UK Foreign Office on the matter, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the country’s sincerity would depend on the action taken by the nation against those involved in the security breach.
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“We have conveyed our deep concern to the UK authorities about the breach of security arrangements by UK-based separatist and extremist elements during EAM’s visit. There is a larger context to the incident. It brings out both the licence accorded to such forces, as well as indifference to their intimidation, threats, and other actions aimed at impeding our legitimate diplomatic activities in the UK," Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson, said at a weekly press briefing.
“While we have noted the statement issued by the UK Foreign Office on the matter, our view of its sincerity would depend on the action taken against culprits on this and previous occasions," he added.
#WATCH | On the issue of security breach during EAM S Jaishankar’s UK visit, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “We have conveyed our deep concern to the UK authorities about the breach of security arrangements by UK-based separatist and extremist elements during the EAM’s… pic.twitter.com/Dl0lWODJJ3— ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2025
How Did UK Respond To Jaishankar’s Security Breach?
On Thursday, the United Kingdom condemned the security breach by pro-Khalistan supporters and said that while the country upholds 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," UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said in a statement.
How Was Jaishankar’s Security Breached?
The EAM is on a 6-day visit to the UK and Ireland, during which he participated in a Q&A session at Chatham House in London. The Khalistani protestors staged a protest outside the venue.
🚨 : Khalistani goons attempt to heckle India’s External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar in London while he was leaving in a car. A man can be seen trying to run towards him, tearing the Indian national flag in front of cops. Police seem helpless, as if ordered to not act. pic.twitter.com/zSYrqDgBRx— THE SQUADRON (@THE_SQUADR0N) March 5, 2025
As Jaishankar walked out of the venue to enter his car, a man was seen approaching the vehicle and tearing India’s national flag — all this in the presence of the police officials who appeared unresponsive to the intimidating act.
In response, India summoned UK Chargé D’ Affaires Christina Scott on Thursday in Delhi.
The EAM is on an official visit to the UK and Ireland from March 4 to 9, aimed at further strengthening India’s diplomatic ties with them.
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