External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar who is on a visit to London was heckled by a pro-Khalistani extremist who breached the security and ran towards his car. This occurred as the police seemed to be unresponsive.
Jaishankar was leaving the Chatham House in London after a discussion when his security was breached. A video that has since gone viral show the man rushing towards the minister's convoy.
🚨 : Khalistani goons attempt to heckle India’s External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar in London while he was leaving in a car. A man can be seen trying to run towards him, tearing the Indian national flag in front of cops. Police seem helpless, as if ordered to not act. pic.twitter.com/zSYrqDgBRx
— THE SQUADRON (@THE_SQUADR0N) March 5, 2025
As the police personnel failed to stop him, the emboldened man tore the Indian flag as other agitators kept shouting slogans. After initial reluctance, police took away the man. However, they were seen trying calm the man down instead of restraining him.
Responding to the incident, the Ministry of External Affairs stated, "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."
A good meeting with Home Secretary @YvetteCooperMP today in London.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 4, 2025
We discussed the flow of talent, people to people exchanges, and joint efforts in tackling trafficking and extremism.
🇮🇳 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/AQmo5w8iA0
"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," it added.
This comes a day after Jaishnkar brought up issues related to Khalistan extremism during a meeting with UK's Secretary of State for Home Yvette Cooper.
#WATCH | London | On being asked about the issues of Kashmir, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "In Kashmir, we have done a good job solving most of it. I think removing Article 370 was one step. Then, restoring growth, economic activity and social justice in Kashmir was step number two.… pic.twitter.com/uwZpotWggO
— ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2025
Some of the pro-Khalistan extremists were also seen protesting outside the Chatham House.
At Chatham House, the foreign minister defended India's position on Kashmir, dismissing the need for any third-party intervention. He also pointed out that the only pending issue in Kashmir is the Pakistan-occupied territory. "I think the part we are waiting for is the return of the stolen part of Kashmir, which is under an illegal Pakistani occupation. When that's done, I assure you, Kashmir solved," he asserted.
Jaishankar also held discussions with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Chevening House covering bilateral ties that included trade negotiations, political cooperation, strategic coordination, technology and education.
He also reviewed the progress in the FTA talks between the two countries with Jonathan Reynolds, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade.
The UK is set to open two new Indian consulates in Belfast and Manchester this week.
Jaishankar went to the UK on March 4 is set to travel to Ireland on March 6. He will meet Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris and interact with the Indian expats.
