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‘Completely unacceptable’: UK condemns security breach during S Jaishankar’s visit

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police further confirmed that as Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was leaving the event, a protester ran in front of his stationary car, waving a flag.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and others at the Chevening House, in London. (Source: X/@DrSJaishankar)

The United Kingdom has strongly condemned the security breach involving a pro-Khalistan protester attempting to block Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s convoy outside Chatham House in London. The British government asserted that any attempt to “intimidate, threaten, or disrupt” public events was “completely unacceptable.”

“We strongly condemn the incident that took place outside Chatham House during the External Affairs Minister’s visit to the UK,” a spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said.

“While the UK upholds the right to peaceful protest, any attempts to intimidate, threaten, or disrupt public events are completely unacceptable. The Metropolitan Police acted swiftly to address the situation, and we remain fully committed to ensuring the security of all our diplomatic visitors, in line with our international obligations,” the spokesperson added.

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A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police further confirmed that as Jaishankar was leaving the event, a protester ran in front of his stationary car, waving a flag.

“He was quickly intercepted by officers and moved out of the way. He did not get close to the Minister, who was able to leave the area without further incident. There were no arrests,” the spokesperson said.

The Indian government also issued a strong reaction, condemning the act and urging the UK government to ensure the safety of visiting dignitaries.

“We have seen the footage of a breach of security during the visit of the External Affairs Minister to the UK,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi.

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“We condemn the provocative activities of this small group of separatists and extremists. 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.”

The incident took place on Wednesday night when a small group of pro-Khalistan demonstrators gathered outside Chatham House, waving separatist flags and chanting slogans. As Jaishankar’s convoy was departing, one protester attempted to breach the barricades and block the minister’s vehicle while pulling at an Indian flag. The police swiftly restrained him, preventing any escalation.

The protest came shortly after Jaishankar held discussions with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Chevening House, covering a range of bilateral issues, including the ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and regional and global matters.

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