India denounces pro-Khalistani protests during EAM Jaishankar's UK visit

India on March 6 condemned the security breach during External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar's visit to the United Kingdom, saying it deplored “the misuse of democratic freedom by such elements.”

Pro-Khalistani protesters staged a demonstration outside Chatham House in London, where Jaishankar participated in a discussion on March 5.

The protesters were carrying flags and loudspeakers and chanted slogans as the minister engaged in talks inside the venue.

The government condemned the actions of a "small group of separatists and extremists,” adding that it expects 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 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 Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
Jaishankar, however, continued with his diplomatic engagements and met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and other senior leaders.

In a meeting with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper on March 4, Jaishankar discussed key issues, including the flow of talent and joint efforts to counter trafficking and extremism.

"A good meeting with Home Secretary @YvetteCooperMP today in London. We discussed the flow of talent, people-to-people exchanges, and joint efforts in tackling trafficking and extremism," Jaishankar posted on social media platform X.

This is not the first instance when Khalistani groups staged a protest in London. In January, pro-Khalistan extremists protested outside the Indian High Commission.

In a similar incident, Khalistani groups stormed a theatre in London's Harrow, in an attempt to halt the screening of ‘Emergency’, starring actor-turned-BJP politician Kangana Ranaut.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, while addressing these concerns, raised India's concerns about violent protests and intimidation by "anti-India" elements in the UK.

"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," Jaiswal said.

Jaishankar’s visit was part of a diplomatic tour covering the UK and Ireland, including discussions on the progress of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).