India says 'larger context' to Jaishankar security breach incident, puts UK on notice

S Jaishankar (File)

The ministry of external affairs on Friday said that India has conveyed deep concern to UK authorities over the breach of security arrangements during S Jaishankar's visit and lambasted the pro-Khalistani elements behind the incident.

"We have conveyed our deep concern to the UK authorities about the breach of security arrangements by UK-based separatist and extremist elements during the EAM’s visit. There is a larger context to the incident. It brings out both 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," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

The ministry said that while India has taken note of the statement issued by the UK Foreign Office on the matter, it will closely monitor any action taken against culprits on this and previous occasions.

On Thursday, India had served a demarche to the British charge d'affaires lodging a strong protest over the incident in London.

A pro-Khalistani protester had attempted to break barricades and tried to stop Jaishankar's motorcade while some others were shouting anti-India slogans.

In a firm reaction, New Delhi slammed the incident and said it expects the host government to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations in such case. It also deplored the "misuse of democratic freedoms" by the "small group of separatist" elements.

Following the incident, India summoned the senior-most British diplomat in Delhi and demanded an explanation over complete "absence of security" at the mission.

Reacting to the incident, a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said: "We strongly condemn the incident that took place outside Chatham House yesterday (Wednesday) during the External Affairs Minister’s visit to the UK."

"While the UK upholds the right to peaceful protest, any attempts to intimidate, threaten, or disrupt public events are completely unacceptable. The Metropolitan Police acted swiftly to address the situation, and we remain fully committed to ensuring the security of all our diplomatic visitors, in line with our international obligations,” the spokesperson said.

India has been asking the UK to take action against pro-Khalistani elements operating from British soil.