India has strongly denounced the breach of security of External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar by pro-Khalistani activists in the United Kingdom (UK).
“We condemn the provocative activities of this small group of separatists and extremists. We deplore the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements,” Randhir Jaiswal, the Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
The strong-worded Indian reaction came in response to a pro-Khalistan protest at London-based think tank Chatham House on Wednesday evening. According to a video doing the rounds of social media, pro-Khalistani activists came in close proximity of Jaishankar after he concluded his talking engagement there.
The video also shows a pro-Khalistan activist jumping in front of the Indian minister's car and ripping apart the Indian tricolour.
Indian social media users have questioned the British police for allowing the pro-Khalistan activists to go on a rampage, despite cops being present at the site. The cops could be seen whisking away the pro-Khalistan vandal who desecrated the Indian flag.
India has for long been concerned about the secessionist and violent activities of pro-Khalistan groups in the United Kingdom, and has regularly taken up these concerns with successive UK governments.
Jaishankar said that he discussed "joint efforts in tackling trafficking and extremism" with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper during the current visit to the country.
In March 2023, a group of pro-Khalistan activists vandalised the Indian High Commission in London and even detached the Indian flag at the building.
India condemned the incident in the strongest terms and summoned the Acting British High Commissioner in India at the time, asking for an explanation over the "complete absence of security" at the diplomatic premises. Delhi Police's Special Cell had back then also registered a case under India's anti-terror Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) against individuals involved in the incident.