India expressed strong disapproval on Thursday regarding a security incident that occurred during its foreign minister’s visit to London. A protester managed to breach a police barrier, positioned themselves in front of the minister’s vehicle, and tore the Indian flag before being swiftly apprehended.
The Indian foreign ministry emphasized its expectation for the United Kingdom to uphold its “diplomatic obligations,” labeling the demonstrators as a “small group of separatists and extremists.”
Footage shared on social media depicted a small number of protesters brandishing flags associated with the Sikh separatist movement known as Khalistan and chanting slogans outside Chatham House in London, where Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar was delivering a speech.
As Jaishankar was departing the venue, an individual from the protest group broke away from the police line and was quickly removed by law enforcement.
Jaishankar is currently engaged in a six-day visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland.
“We condemn the exploitation of democratic freedoms by such groups. We anticipate that the host government will fully fulfill its diplomatic responsibilities in such situations,” stated Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Indian foreign ministry.
The British foreign office has not yet provided a response to a request for comment from Reuters.
The Khalistan movement seeks to establish a separate Sikh homeland from the predominantly Hindu India and is regarded as a security concern by the Indian government. This issue has contributed to rising tensions in the relationship between Canada and India.
See more: Turkey continues strikes on PKK in Iraq, Syria despite Ocalan call
In April 2023, India urged the UK to enhance surveillance of Khalistan supporters based in Britain after protesters with “Khalistan” banners removed the Indian flag from the diplomatic mission’s premises the previous month.
