India condemns security breach during Minister’s London visit

India has strongly condemned a security breach during Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s visit to London, after a protester broke through a police cordon, obstructed his vehicle, and tore an Indian flag before being apprehended.

The incident took place on Wednesday outside Chatham House, where Jaishankar was delivering a speech. Videos circulating on social media showed a small group of demonstrators waving Khalistan flags and shouting separatist slogans. Khalistan is a Sikh separatist movement that seeks an independent state in India’s Punjab region.

India’s foreign ministry issued a firm statement on Thursday, calling on the British government to uphold its “diplomatic obligations” and ensure the security of Indian officials abroad.

“We expect the UK to take appropriate measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” the ministry said, describing the protesters as a “small group of separatists and extremists.”

The Indian High Commission in London has reportedly raised the issue with British authorities, emphasizing concerns over security arrangements for visiting dignitaries.

British officials have yet to release a detailed statement on the breach but confirmed that the individual involved was removed by law enforcement. The Metropolitan Police have launched an internal review into the security lapse.

“We take the safety of all visiting foreign dignitaries very seriously,” a UK government spokesperson said.

“Investigations are ongoing to determine how the protester managed to breach the security perimeter.”

This is not the first time Khalistan supporters have staged demonstrations against Indian officials in the UK. Last year, the Indian High Commission in London was vandalized by protesters, prompting India to summon the British envoy in New Delhi.

Tensions between India and Sikh separatist groups abroad have been a persistent issue, with New Delhi urging Western governments to crack down on what it calls “anti-India activities.”

As diplomatic discussions continue, the security of Indian officials traveling to the UK is likely to remain a contentious issue between the two nations.