NATIONAL: India Condemns Security Breach During Jaishankar’s UK Visit
Security Lapse Sparks Strong Indian Response
India strongly condemned a security breach during External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar’s visit to the United Kingdom. The incident occurred outside Chatham House in London, where a pro-Khalistan extremist attempted to approach Jaishankar’s convoy and tore an Indian national flag.
MEA Labels the Act as ‘Provocative’
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong statement, denouncing the incident as the work of a small group of separatists and extremists misusing democratic freedoms. The statement read: *“We have seen the footage of a breach of security during the visit of EAM to the UK. We deplore the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements.”
MEA also emphasized that India expects the UK government to fully uphold its diplomatic obligations and prevent such incidents.
Jaishankar’s UK Visit Focuses on Key Discussions
Jaishankar’s visit to the United Kingdom (March 4–9) aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. He engaged in high-level talks with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, covering areas such as:
- Strategic coordination
- Political cooperation
- Trade negotiations
- Education and technology
- Mobility and people-to-people exchanges
Firm Stance on Kashmir Issue
During a session at Chatham House, Jaishankar was questioned about Kashmir and the possibility of third-party mediation. He firmly dismissed the idea, asserting that India does not accept external intervention on the matter.
Jaishankar defended India’s policy decisions, including the abrogation of Article 370, and emphasized the government’s focus on economic development in the region. When a Pakistani journalist raised a question on Kashmir, Jaishankar responded with a sharp remark:
*”I think the part we are waiting for is the return of the stolen part of Kashmir, which is under illegal Pakistani occupation. When that’s done, I assure you, Kashmir is solved.”
India Calls for Stronger Security Measures
With the video of the security breach going viral, India’s concerns over diplomatic safety have intensified. The incident highlights the rising activities of separatist groups in the UK and India’s expectation of greater accountability from host nations regarding security for its diplomats.