Jaishankar's security breached in London, India tells UK to ‘live up to its diplomatic obligations'

India on Thursday condemned a security breach during External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar’s visit to the United Kingdom. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement on the matter, denouncing the actions of what it called a “small group of separatists and extremists.”

A pro-Khalistani extremist heckled and attempted to attack External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar in London on Thursday. The incident occurred when the EAM was leaving in a car after attending an event hosted by Chatham House in collaboration with the High Commission of India in the UK.

In the video circulating online, a man can be seen running towards Jaishankar’s vehicle, tearing the Indian national flag. What is concerning is that the whole ordeal took place in front of the London police officers, and despite the chaos and vandalism, the officers appeared to be unresponsive.

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Khalistani elements attempted to attack and insult @DrSJaishankar by desecrating the Indian flag on British soil. This is a serious concern and raises questions about security lapses in London. #London #Khalistani @PMOIndia @HMOIndia @metpoliceuk @HCI_London pic.twitter.com/NUqR5d6Z7r

— Gayatri 🇬🇧🇮🇳(BharatKiBeti) (@changu311) March 5, 2025

The ministry confirmed that they had seen the video of the incident and asked the United Kingdom to live up to its diplomatic obligation. “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. We deplore the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements,” the MEA said in a statement on Thursday.

“We expect the host government in such cases to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations,” the ministry furthered. Despite the ruckus, Jaishankar continued with his diplomatic engagements, which included meeting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and other senior leaders.

Pro-Khalistani protesters create a ruckus outside Chatham House

Pro-Khalistani protesters were conducting protests outside the Chatham House way before Jaishankar arrived at the venue. Many chanted Khalistani slogans as the External Affairs Minister entered the building. In the Thursday event, the EAM participated in an insightful discussion with Bronwen Maddox, Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House. The conversation dealt with India’s evolving foreign policy, regional dynamics and global and economic challenges.

The incident took place at a time when Jaishankar was on an official visit to the United Kingdom from March 4 to 9. During his visit, the EAM is set to hold talks with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Given the Thursday incident, the issue of extremism and especially the rise of the pro-Khalistani movement in the UK and other nations are expected to be discussed.

A good meeting with Home Secretary @YvetteCooperMP today in London.

We discussed the flow of talent, people to people exchanges, and joint efforts in tackling trafficking and extremism.

🇮🇳 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/AQmo5w8iA0

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 4, 2025

In recent years, the United Kingdom has witnessed a substantial rise in the Khalistani movement, with several instances of vandalism of Hindu temples and other Indian institutions across the country. Apart from this, Jaishankar’s visit aimed to bolster the India-UK comprehensive strategic partnership, covering trade, health, education, people-to-people ties, and defence cooperation.

Following his UK visit, Jaishankar will be travelling to Ireland for his visit from March 6-7. Here, he is scheduled to hold talks with Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris, interact with other officials, and engage with the Indian diaspora.

With inputs from agencies.