EAM Jaishankar's security breached in London; India miffed

India on Thursday expressed deep concern over a security breach that occurred during external affairs minister (EAM) S Jaishankar's visit to the United Kingdom and called upon the UK government to "fully live up to their diplomatic obligations".

A pro-Khalistan extremist managed to breach the security barricades and tore the Indian flag in front of the minister's convoy in London in the first such incident faced by Jaishankar during an overseas trip.

A demonstration was staged by pro-Khalistan protesters outside Chatham House in London, where Jaishankar participated in a discussion late Wednesday. The protestors, carrying flags and loudspeakers, chanted slogans as the minister engaged in talks inside the venue.


"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. We expect the host government in such cases to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations," the external affairs ministry said in a statement.

In January, pro-Khalistan extremists staged a protest outside the Indian high commission. In another incident, pro-Khalistan groups stormed a cinema in London's Harrow, attempting to halt the screening of Emergency, a film starring BJP MP Kangana Ranaut.

Ministry spokesperson Randheer Jaiswal said at the time, "We consistently raise concerns with the UK government regarding incidents of violent protest and intimidation by anti-India elements. Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively, and those obstructing it must be held accountable."