NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Thursday issued a statement after an incident in which EAM S Jaishankar was heckled by Khalistani extremists while leaving an event at the Chatham House think tank in London.
Addressing the incident, an MEA spokesperson stated, “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 obligation.”
A video circulating online shows a man running towards Jaishankar’s vehicle and tearing the national flag of India in front of London police officers, who appeared unresponsive despite the act of vandalism.
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, where he is scheduled to meet British foreign secretary David Lammy and other key officials.
His visit aims to strengthen the India-UK comprehensive strategic partnership, covering trade, health, education, people-to-people ties, and defence cooperation.