NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Friday reacted to the recent security breach involving EAM S Jaishankar’s convoy in London, acknowledging the UK’s condemnation of the incident. However, it emphasised that the sincerity of this condemnation would “depend on the action taken against culprits”.
During the weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has conveyed “deep concern to the UK authorities” over the incident, stating that there is “a larger context to the incident”.
“We have conveyed our deep concern to the UK authorities about the breach of security arrangements by UK-based separatist and extremist elements during the EAM’s visit. There is a larger context to the incident,” Jaiswal said.
“It brings out both the license accorded to such forces, as well as indifference to their intimidation, threats, and other actions aimed at impeding our legitimate diplomatic activities in the UK. While we have noted the statement issued by the UK Foreign Office on the matter, our view of its sincerity would depend on the action taken against culprits on this and previous occasions,” he added.
This comes a day after Jaishankar was heckled by Khalistani extremists while leaving an event at the Chatham House think tank in London. A group of Khalistani extremists staged a protest, chanting slogans and waving flags, which escalated into a direct confrontation with the minister’s convoy.
Pro-Khalistan supporters were also seen holding flags and staging a protest outside the venue where Jaishankar participated in a discussion. The incident took place during Jaishankar’s official visit to the UK from March 4-9.
UK foreign office also condemned the incident and said that it upholds the right to peaceful protest, any attempts to intimidate, threaten, or disrupt public events are completely unacceptable.
“We strongly condemn the incident that took place outside Chatham House yesterday during the External Affairs Minister’s visit to the UK. 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 MEA had strongly condemned the incident, labeling it a “misuse of democratic freedoms” by a small group of separatists and extremists.
The MEA statement emphasised that such actions are unacceptable and called upon the host government to fulfill its diplomatic obligations to ensure the safety of visiting dignitaries.
“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,” MEA said in a statement .