A major security breach unfolded in London on Wednesday night as Khalistani extremists attempted to block the vehicle of Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar. The incident, which took place outside Chatham House, has sparked strong condemnation from diplomats, analysts, and political figures.
Videos circulating on social media show Khalistani protesters gathered outside the venue, with one individual seen running towards Jaishankar’s vehicle as he was leaving. The protest is the latest in a series of anti-India demonstrations organized by radical elements in the UK.
Former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal strongly criticized the UK government for allowing such activities under the pretext of democratic rights. “This freedom given to British Khalistani extremists for their anti-Indian activities is unacceptable. The British continue to ignore our repeated protests with the convenient excuse of the right to peaceful protest,” Sibal wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
He further questioned the motives behind such protests, stating, “Are they protesting against any curb on their right to promote violence, terrorism, and separatism in Punjab? Are they defending the right to insult a visiting Indian leader?”
This incident follows a similar episode in March 2023, when Khalistani supporters vandalized the Indian High Commission in London, prompting India to lodge a formal protest with the UK government. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had then demanded an explanation for the absence of security that allowed trespassers to storm the diplomatic premises.
The MEA has once again condemned the latest incident, stating that it “deplores the misuse of democratic freedom” by such elements. EAM Jaishankar has been vocal about the misuse of free speech laws in countries like the UK, Canada, and the US to promote separatism. “Freedom of speech cannot be freedom to advocate violence or terrorism in a foreign country,” he has asserted on multiple occasions.
Diplomatic experts believe that the UK government’s inaction stems from political and electoral considerations, as certain political groups rely on the support of minority communities. However, growing concerns over security breaches involving Indian officials abroad have led to renewed calls for stricter measures against radical elements.
The Indian government is expected to raise this issue at the diplomatic level, urging British authorities to take concrete steps to prevent further incidents targeting Indian officials and institutions in the UK.
