India lodges protest with UK over Khalistani supporters blocking S Jaishankar’s car in London

NEW DELHI: India has registered a protest with the UK over Khalistani supporters blocking Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s vehicle in London. Condemning the provocative actions of separatists, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that such elements are misusing democratic freedoms. He expressed hope that the host government would fulfill its diplomatic responsibilities. India has also summoned the UK’s Deputy High Commissioner to discuss the security lapse.

The incident took place on Wednesday in front of the Chatham House in London. Jaishankar was leaving after meeting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and other officials when Khalistani supporters rushed towards his car, tore an Indian flag, and blocked the vehicle. Security personnel intervened and removed the protesters.

When Jaishankar arrived for the discussions, Khalistani supporters chanted slogans through loudspeakers, and one individual tore the Indian flag. However, UK police did not prevent the act at the time. Jaishankar also held talks with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper on joint efforts to counter terrorism.

India’s Foreign Ministry has also protested an attempt by Khalistani supporters to disrupt the screening of the film ‘Emergency’, starring BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, at a theater in Harrow, London.