New Delhi: A day after the UK called the security breach “completely unacceptable”, India said sincerity would be measured by the actions taken against the “culprits” behind the attempt to disrupt external affairs minister S. Jaishankar’s convoy and other attacks on Indian diplomatic facilities.
On Wednesday (February 5), a pro-Khalistan demonstrator ran in front of Jaishankar’s car and tore the Indian flag while the police carried him away.
The incident took place amid a demonstration by Khalistan supporters who attempted to disrupt Jaishankar’s visit for a discussion at Chatham House in London.
The minister is on an official visit to the UK.
At the weekly briefing on Friday in Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)’s spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India has “conveyed our deep concern to the UK authorities about the breach of security arrangements by UK-based separatist and extremist elements during EAM [Jaishankar]’s visit”.
He stated that the incident reflected a “larger context”, demonstrating the “license accorded to such forces, as well as indifference to their intimidation, threats and other actions aimed at impeding our legitimate diplomatic activities in the UK.”
“While we have noted the statement issued by the UK Foreign Office on the matter, our view of its sincerity would depend on the action taken against culprits on this and previous occasions,” he added.
The UK’s deputy high commissioner went to South Block on Thursday, but neither side has publicly mentioned it.
The MEA’s first official response on Thursday strongly condemned the incident.
“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,” the press release stated.
A UK Foreign Office spokesperson later said they “strongly condemn the incident that took place outside Chatham House yesterday during the external affairs minister’s visit to the UK.”
He added, “While the UK upholds the right to peaceful protest, any attempts to intimidate, threaten or disrupt public events are completely unacceptable.”
The UK Foreign Office also noted that the Metropolitan Police “acted swiftly to address the situation” and reaffirmed, “We remain fully committed to ensuring the security of all our diplomatic visitors, in line with our international obligations.”
