Thu Mar 06 10:00:46 UTC 2025: ## India Condemns Pro-Khalistan Protest During Jaishankar’s UK Visit
**London, UK** – India has strongly condemned a security breach during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to the United Kingdom, criticizing a demonstration by pro-Khalistan protestors outside Chatham House in London. The protestors, described by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as “separatists and extremists,” disrupted a discussion Mr. Jaishankar participated in on Wednesday. The MEA statement expressed its displeasure at the misuse of democratic freedoms and expects the UK government to uphold its diplomatic obligations.
Despite the protest, Mr. Jaishankar continued his busy schedule, meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. His meeting with Ms. Cooper focused on talent flow, people-to-people exchanges, and combating trafficking and extremism. Discussions with Prime Minister Starmer covered bilateral and global issues, including the ongoing India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and the UK’s perspective on the Ukraine conflict.
This incident follows previous pro-Khalistan demonstrations in London, including a protest outside the Indian High Commission in January and an attempt to disrupt a screening of the film “Emergency.” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s concerns about violent protests and intimidation by anti-India elements, emphasizing that freedom of speech cannot be selectively applied. India has consistently raised these concerns with the UK government. Mr. Jaishankar’s visit also included engagements in Ireland as part of a wider diplomatic tour.
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