Jaishankar heckled in London; India reminds UK of ‘diplomatic obligations’
Videos of the incident show London police initially reluctant to act as a Khalistani protester rushes towards MEA’s convoy and tears the tricolour
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday (March 5) was heckled by Khalistani protesters, who also allegedly tried to attack him, while he was leaving the Chatham House in London after attending a discussion.
Video clips of the incident circulating online show a man from among the Khalistani supporters protesting outside Chatham House, running towards Jaishankar’s car and tearing the Indian flag in front of police officers amid sloganeering by his comrades. Police at first seem reluctant to stop the protesters but later evict them from the place.
Also read: Khalistani sentiments, radicalism on rise under AAP-ruled Punjab: Congress
Another video showed pro-Khalistani protesters chanting slogans and waving flags outside the venue when Jaishankar was attending the discussion.
MEA deplores incident
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement on Thursday deplored the incident urging the host government to “fully live up to their diplomatic obligations".
"We have seen the footage of a breach of security during the visit of the external affairs minister to the UK," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
"We condemn the provocative activities of this small group of separatists and extremists," he said.
"We deplore the misuse of democratic freedom by such elements. We expect the host government in such cases to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations," Jaiswal added.
Jaishankar’s UK visit
India’s foreign minister is on an official visit to the UK and Ireland from Mach 4 to 9 as part of attempts to strengthen India’s ties with the European nations in the sectors of trade, education, health, and defence.
During his six-day visit covering the UK and Ireland, the EAM will be holding a series of high-level talks, foreign policy engagements and interactions with the Indian community.
Also read: Who is Narain Singh Chaura, Khalistani militant who tried to shoot Sukhbir Badal?
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said the visit will provide renewed impetus to India’s friendly ties with both countries. The EAM is also scheduled to inaugurate new Consulate Generals of India in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Manchester, northern England, later this week.
