Source Credit: NDTV
India has strongly condemned the breach of security during the visit of External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar to the United Kingdom, wherein a protest was staged outside Chatham House, London, by pro-Khalistan demonstrators.
This incident took place on Wednesday during a diplomatic discussion of Jaishankar at the renowned think tank. While shouting slogans and waving flags, the protesters disrupted the whole action inside as the minister continued with his talks inside the venue.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the action of this "small group of separatists and extremists" and their misuse of the democratic freedoms. According to MEA, the expectation of the ministry needs to be fulfilled by the UK government regarding the commitment internationally in such cases. "We condemn the provocative activities of these elements and expect appropriate action," the MEA statement read.
Avoiding the demonstration, Jaishankar moved on with his already scheduled meetings, including a discussion with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and other senior leaders. On the day before, Jaishankar met with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, mainly on topics related to talent flow, people-to-people exchanges,m and joint counter trafficking and extremism.
The disruption caused in London is no new thing, as Khalistani groups have earlier organized similar demonstrations against India in the UK, including one held outside the Indian High Commission in January. The Ministry of External Affairs brought the issue to discussion time and again about the violent actions and intimidation done by anti-India elements in the UK.From the discussions, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal fired shot at how disruptors have to be addressed when freedom of speech would not be selective.
Among other issues, Jaishankar also met with Prime Minister Starmer to discuss bilateral cooperation, economic ties, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict during his visit.
