The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday criticised the UK's approach to the security breach during External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar's visit in London.
MEA said it shows, "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."
#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
Jaishankar's convoy came under attack on Thursday when a pro-Khalistan protester breached security and ran towards his car shouting slogans. Jaishankar was returning from Chatham House in London when the incident took place.
A video of the incident had gone viral on social media. A group of protesters waving pro-Khalistan flags could be seen shouting slogans even as police remained in the area.
Also read | UK foreign office condemns security breach during EAM S. Jaishankar’s London visit
#WATCH | Delhi | On Development Cooperation with Bangladesh, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "...Development cooperation is a priority area of our relations with the people of Bangladesh. The recent security situation and long-standing local issues have affected the pace… pic.twitter.com/atGttfeLHn
— ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2025
MEA had already condemned and conveyed its "deep concern" to the UK authorities. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that there was a "larger context" to the incident.
UK foreign office also reacted to the incident. A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said that such attempts to "intimidate, threaten, or disrupt" public events are "completely unacceptable".
He also added that the police swiftly acted to address the situation.
Though India has noted UK's statement, MEA added that, "its sincerity would depend on the action taken against culprits on this and previous occasions."
No action was reportedly taken against the attacker. The initial delay in responding to the incident by the UK police also came under question, though the UK in its statement said that "swift" action was taken by the Metropolitan Police.
