London, UK: A security breach occurred during Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to the United Kingdom as pro-Khalistan protesters staged a demonstration outside Chatham House in London on Wednesday. The demonstrators, carrying flags and loudspeakers, chanted slogans as the minister participated in discussions inside the venue.

The Indian government strongly condemned the incident, criticising what it described as the actions of a “small group of separatists and extremists.” In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “We deplore the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements and expect the host government to fully uphold its diplomatic obligations.”

Despite the protests, Jaishankar proceeded with his scheduled diplomatic engagements, meeting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and other senior officials.

During his discussions with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper on Tuesday, Jaishankar addressed key issues, including talent mobility, people-to-people exchanges, and joint efforts to counter human trafficking and extremism.

This is not the first instance of such protests in London. In January, pro-Khalistan extremists demonstrated outside the Indian High Commission. More recently, Khalistani groups attempted to disrupt the screening of Emergency, a film featuring BJP leader and actress Kangana Ranaut, by storming a cinema in Harrow.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s concerns over violent protests and intimidation by “anti-India” elements in the UK. “We consistently raise concerns with the UK Government regarding such incidents. Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively, and those obstructing it must be held accountable,” he said.

During his meeting at 10 Downing Street, Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “warm greetings” to Prime Minister Starmer and discussed key bilateral and global matters, including economic cooperation and the Ukraine conflict.