(Image source from: x.com/DrSJaishankar)
Today, the Centre issued a strong condemnation regarding a security incident that occurred during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's trip to the United Kingdom, criticizing the behavior of a "small group of separatists and extremists." Pro-Khalistan demonstrators gathered outside Chatham House in London while Mr. Jaishankar engaged in a discussion on Wednesday. These protestors, wielding flags and loudspeakers, shouted slogans as the minister conducted diplomatic talks inside the building. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed in a statement, "We have seen footage depicting a security breach during the EAM's visit to the UK. We strongly denounce the provocative actions of this minimal faction of separatists and extremists. We condemn the exploitation of democratic rights by these groups. We also expect that the host government will fully fulfill their diplomatic responsibilities in such incidents."
In spite of the protests, Mr. Jaishankar proceeded with his diplomatic agenda, meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and other prominent officials. During a Tuesday meeting with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, he tackled significant topics, such as the movement of skilled workers and collaborative efforts to combat trafficking and extremism. Mr. Jaishankar shared on the social media platform X, "Had a productive meeting with Home Secretary @YvetteCooperMP in London today. We talked about talent flow, exchanges between people, and our joint initiatives to address trafficking and extremism." This incident is not isolated; in January, pro-Khalistan activists protested outside the Indian High Commission in London.
In another instance, Khalistani activists disrupted a screening of the film 'Emergency,' featuring BJP's Kangana Ranaut, in a Harrow cinema. Regarding these incidents, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirmed India's concerns over violent protests and intimidation from "anti-India" elements within the UK. “We continually express our apprehensions to the UK Government about violent protests and intimidation from groups that are anti-India. Freedom of speech and expression cannot be inconsistently applied, and those who obstruct it should be held responsible,” said Mr. Jaiswal. During his meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, Mr. Jaishankar conveyed "warm greetings" from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and deliberated on critical bilateral and global matters. He noted, “We discussed advancing our bilateral economic cooperation and improving people-to-people interactions. PM Starmer also shared insights regarding the UK's viewpoint on the Ukraine conflict.” This visit to the UK, part of a broader diplomatic mission that includes Ireland, also involved discussions about the progress of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
