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Pro-Khalistani extremists heckled and attempted to attack External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar in London on Thursday. The incident occurred while 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.
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.
Jaishankar to discuss the issue of extremism in the UK
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.
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.