India's tough talk on UK-based Khalistani extremists after Jaishankar security breach :::: "There is a larger context to the incident. It is very important to understand"

The government of India said that its assessment of the UK's statement on the security breach during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's London visit depends on the action taken against those responsible.  

“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,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said responding to the UK's statement on the security breach during Dr S Jaishankar's visit to London.

"There is a larger context to the incident. It is very important to understand this. 

It brings out both the licence 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," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a press briefing. 

He added that New Delhi has conveyed "deep concern" to the UK authorities about the breach of security. 

While Dr Jaishankar was leaving after a talk at the international think tank Chatham House in London, a pro-Khalistani protester attempted to break through barricades and block his motorcade.

Others raised anti-India slogans. 

On Thursday, the Keir Starmer government in the UK condemned the attempt by Khalistani extremists, saying any attempts to disrupt public events are completely unacceptable.

This was not the first security breach by pro-Khalistan elements in Britain. 

In March 2023, some protesters pulled down the Indian flag at the High Commission in London, prompting a strong response from India. 

Following the incident, India had summoned the senior-most British diplomat in Delhi, demanding an explanation for the complete "absence of security" at the mission.

"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 UK government's foreign office said.

India, in a strong statement following the incident, said it expects the host government to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations in these cases. New Delhi deplored the "misuse of democratic freedoms" by the "small group of separatist" elements.

Later, as a formal protest, it issued a demarche to the British Charge d'Affaires over the incident.

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