India condemned a security breach involving External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during his UK visit, following a pro-Khalistan protest. The minister’s motorcade was approached by an activist who breached police barriers. India expects the UK to uphold its diplomatic responsibilities in light of this incident. Ongoing tensions with pro-Khalistan elements persist, impacting bilateral relations.
India expressed strong condemnation on Thursday regarding a security breach involving External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during his visit to the UK. This incident involved a pro-Khalistan protester who managed to break through a barrier and approach the minister’s motorcade. The Indian government has called upon the UK to fulfill its diplomatic responsibilities in light of this breach.
The incident took place on the second day of Jaishankar’s trip, following an event at Chatham House in London, where protests by a group of pro-Khalistan activists occurred. These protesters, who waved yellow flags and shouted slogans such as “Khalistan Zindabad,” remained separated by metal barriers while Jaishankar addressed attendees inside.
As Jaishankar exited the building and approached his vehicle, a tall man, holding an Indian flag, breached police barriers and ran towards the minister’s motorcade. In a disturbing display, he confronted police and ultimately tore the Indian flag before being apprehended and removed from the scene.
Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesperson for India’s external affairs ministry, characterized the event as a significant violation of security protocols. He condemned the “provocative activities” of the pro-Khalistan protesters and stated, “We deplore the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements.” He also emphasized India’s expectation that the UK government adheres to its diplomatic obligations concerning the safety of visiting officials.
India has previously raised concerns with the UK about pro-Khalistan demonstrations, which have included aggressive actions targeting the Indian diplomatic mission in London. Notably, tensions escalated in March 2023 when a pro-Khalistan activist vandalized the Indian flag at the Indian high commission, impacting bilateral relations. Furthermore, India urged the UK to address anti-India elements who disrupted the screening of a film in January.
In conclusion, the recent security breach involving External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in the UK underscores significant diplomatic tensions between India and pro-Khalistan groups. The incident highlights ongoing concerns related to the security of Indian officials abroad, prompting India to expect stricter enforcement of diplomatic obligations from the host country. Continuous protests and aggressive actions against the Indian diplomatic presence indicate a pressing need for greater cooperation in addressing such challenges.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
