External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar faced harassment and an attempted assault by Khalistani extremists in London on Thursday (IST) as he exited his vehicle after attending a discussion at Chatham House.
A video circulating on social media captured a protestor running towards his car and tearing the Indian national flag in front of London police officers, who appeared indifferent to the act of vandalism.
Pro-Khalistan supporters had gathered outside Chatham House, waving flags and voicing slogans as Dr Jaishankar participated in the event. The incident has sparked fresh concerns over the security of Indian diplomats and officials in the United Kingdom.
Jaishankar is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland from 4 to 9 March to further bolster India’s diplomatic ties with both nations.
During his visit, Jaishankar has held discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and several senior leaders.
On Tuesday, he met UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to discuss key areas such as the flow of talent and joint efforts in countering trafficking and extremism.
Following the meeting, Jaishankar stated on X, "A good meeting with Home Secretary @YvetteCooperMP today in London. We discussed the flow of talent, people-to-people exchanges, and joint efforts in tackling trafficking and extremism."
According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, India and the UK share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has expanded across multiple sectors, including defence, trade, health, education, and people-to-people relations.
Addressing concerns over these incidents, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal remarked, "We consistently raise concerns with the UK Government regarding incidents of violent protest and intimidation by anti-India elements. Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively, and those obstructing it must be held accountable."
Jaiswal further added, "We hope that the UK side will take appropriate action against those responsible. Our High Commission in London remains in regular communication with our community members for their safety and welfare. We expect the UK side to take strong, appropriate action in this matter."
Notably, in 2023, the Indian High Commission in London was attacked by pro-Khalistan activists advocating for Punjab’s secession from India.
According to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), these attacks were carried out in retaliation against the crackdown on Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh by Punjab police.
India has long pressed nations such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia to take decisive legal action against Khalistani extremists operating on their soil.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally raised the issue with world leaders, particularly with his Canadian counterpart, given the significant Sikh diaspora in that country.
Also read: Centre claims Khalistani terrorists pushed Manipur secession
The latest incident follows a series of pro-Khalistan demonstrations targeting Indian diplomatic missions. Earlier this year, Sikh protestors stormed the Indian High Commission in London, pulling down the tricolour and smashing the building’s windows to protest against the arrest of Amritpal Singh.
UK extremism report highlights pro-Khalistan threats
Meanwhile, a leaked UK government report, titled Extremely Confused: The Government’s New Counter-Extremism Review Revealed, has drawn attention to extremism originating from the Indian subcontinent.
The review, authored by Andrew Gilligan and Dr Paul Scott for the Policy Exchange think tank, identifies nine forms of extremism, including “Islamist, extreme right-wing, extreme misogyny, pro-Khalistan extremism, Hindu nationalist extremism, environmental extremism, Left-wing, anarchist and single-issue extremism (LASI), violence fascination, and conspiracy theories.
According to the report, “Pages 17-18 of ‘Understand’ are devoted to two types of extremism which have their origins in the Indian subcontinent – what is described as pro-Khalistan extremism and Hindu nationalist extremism. With regards to the former, the report offers the caveat that support for a Sikh state of Khalistan is not necessarily extremist; the problem is when this outlook leads to the advocacy of violence in support of that cause.”
The mention of “Hindu nationalist extremism” in such a review is reportedly unprecedented, adding to the complexities of the UK’s counter-extremism discourse.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has strongly condemned the latest incident involving Jaishankar and has summoned the UK’s Deputy High Commissioner in New Delhi to register its protest over the security lapse.
Also rerad: Khalistani sentiments on rise under AAP ruled Punjab: Congress
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