India Condemns Security Breach During EAM Jaishankar’s UK Visit Amid Pro-Khalistan Protests
London/New Delhi, 6th March 2025: The Indian government has strongly criticized a security lapse during External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar’s visit to the United Kingdom, condemning the actions of a “small group of separatists and extremists.” Pro-Khalistan demonstrators gathered outside Chatham House in London on Wednesday, where Jaishankar was attending a discussion, waving flags and chanting slogans.
In response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement expressing disapproval of the security breach. “We have seen footage of the incident during EAM’s visit to the UK. We condemn the provocative actions of this small group of separatists and extremists. We strongly oppose the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements and expect the host government to uphold its diplomatic responsibilities in such cases,” the statement read.
Despite the disruptions, Jaishankar proceeded with his diplomatic schedule, meeting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and other senior officials.
During his meeting with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper on Tuesday, he addressed critical issues such as skilled workforce mobility, people-to-people exchanges, and joint efforts to combat trafficking and extremism.
“Had a productive discussion with Home Secretary @YvetteCooperMP in London. We talked about facilitating talent movement, strengthening bilateral ties, and enhancing cooperation in tackling trafficking and extremism,” Jaishankar shared on social media platform X.
This is not the first instance of Khalistani demonstrations in London. In January, similar groups protested outside the Indian High Commission.
In another incident, Khalistani activists attempted to disrupt the screening of the film Emergency, starring BJP leader Kangana Ranaut, at a cinema in London’s Harrow. Addressing these repeated disruptions, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India’s concerns over violent protests and intimidation by anti-India factions in the UK.
“We consistently raise our concerns with the UK Government regarding violent demonstrations and intimidation by anti-India groups. Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively, and those obstructing it should be held accountable,” Jaiswal asserted.
During his visit to 10 Downing Street, Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and discussed key bilateral and global matters.
“Our discussions focused on strengthening economic cooperation, fostering people-to-people ties, and advancing the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Prime Minister Starmer also shared the UK’s perspective on the Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar noted.
As part of his diplomatic tour covering both the UK and Ireland, Jaishankar continued discussions on deepening strategic partnerships between the two nations.
