India deplores security breach during Jaishankar’s UK visit       

Hours after pro-Khalistan protesters staged a demonstration outside the venue in London where External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was speaking on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday called it a “security breach” and asked the UK to “meet its diplomatic obligations” and ensure safety of visiting foreign leaders.

On Wednesday, a protester tried to tear the Indian flag metres in front of Jaishankar’s car as he exited the venue, Chatham House. Outside the venue, protesters gathered holding Khalistan flags and used hand-held speakers to shout pro-Khalistan and anti-India slogans.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen the footage of the 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.”

Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson RP Singh condemned the protesters, saying, “There are about 100-150 people across London who do such things just to draw attention. They neither have a base there nor their supporters in India.”