UK Condemns Security Breach By Khalistani Protesters During Jaishankar's Visit: 'Attempt To Intimidate...'

Last Updated:March 06, 2025, 17:56 IST

United Kingdom strongly condemned the breach of security of EAM S Jaishankar outside the Chatham House and said that they are "fully committed to ensuring the security of all our diplomatic visitors".

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar speaks at an event in Chatham House, London. (Courtesy: X/@DrSJaishankar)

The United Kingdom on Thursday strongly condemned the breach of security of External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar by pro-Khalistan supporters while he was leaving in a car after participating in an event at the Chatham House think tank in London.

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 nations.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, India and the UK share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership which has deepened across different sectors like defence, trade, health, education, and people-to-people relations.

London, United Kingdom (UK)

News world UK Condemns Security Breach By Khalistani Protesters During Jaishankar's Visit: 'Attempt To Intimidate...'