After giving an earful to the British High Commissioner to India, PM Modi calls up UK PM

Indian sovereignty and integrity must be maintained, even in foreign countries. PM Modi in his latest stunt has indicated just this. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi had a telephonic conversation with the newly elected British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson and spoke to him at length about the untoward incident which took place outside the Indian High Commission in London on the Indian Independence Day.

On 15th August, anti-India protests had taken place in London which were reportedly organised by Pakistani groups, and Sikh and Kashmiri separatist outfits. The situation was so horrific that the Metropolitan Police arrested four people for affray, obstruction of police, and possession of a knife. A photograph showing the police carrying away a large curved knife from the protest has also surfaced.

In this regard, PM Modi called to discuss the situation.

“…He referred to the violence and vandalism perpetrated by a large mob against the High Commission of India in London on the Independence Day of India,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

The statement further said that Boris Johnson also expressed regret over the incident and assured all necessary security measures to ensure protection for the Indian mission, its staffers and visitors.

Thereafter, PM Modi also spoke about the common issue of terrorism that the countries are currently fighting against. He spoke about how all parts of the world, including India and Europe, were plagued by terrorism. PM Modi then elaborated on the importance of taking effective steps to ward off threats posed by radicalisation, violence and intolerance, pointing out that the Islamic State jihadist group was rapidly expanding its global footprint.

The Ministry’s statement also said, “Both leaders agreed that as the world’s pre-eminent democracies, the two countries have much to contribute together to effectively addressing the many challenges faced by the world today.”

On 15th August, the radical mob had disrupted and hindered celebrations of the Indian Diaspora. Apart from throwing eggs, bottles, vegetables, batteries, potatoes and hot coffee, the violent protesters also used smoke bombs to confuse the police horses and broke through the barriers; Indian families were  reported to have been trapped for hours as the violent mobs surrounded them.

Prior to this, the Indian authorities had also called upon Dominic Asquith, The British High Commissioner to India, and conveyed India’s concerns about the incidents of violence during the protests and  also urged  “adequate safety and security”  measures for  Indian High commission and its staff.

This unprecedented attack against peaceful assembly has surely shifted the world’s attention towards Britain, which over the past few years has been witnessing major social-political changes.  Political observers have indicated that rise of fundamental Islamists in politics and other crucial societal pivots has also been a driving force behind this intolerant approach towards other communities, mostly non Muslim communities and minorities within Islam.

PM Modi taking up the London incident with Boris Johnson only indicates his pro-active response to the situation and essentially highlights the fact that such atrocities will not be tolerated. PM Modi’s message is sure to make the UK authorities pull up their socks and ensure safety and security of Indians and related subjects from Pakistan sponsored violent protests.