India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar faced a security breach in London as Khalistani terrorist disrupted his visit. The incident occurred outside Chatham House, where an extremist ran towards S Jaishankar’s vehicle and tore the Indian national flag in the presence of police officers. A video circulating online shows the protester aggressively approaching the convoy, tearing the Tricolour, while others chanted slogans. The police later detained him along with other protestors. Another video surfaced depicting Khalistani extremists waving flags and shouting pro-Khalistani slogans outside the venue where Jaishankar was engaged in discussions. The incident took place during his official visit to the UK from March 4 to 9.
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed concerns regarding Khalistani terrorism in his discussions with the UK’s Secretary of State for Home, Yvette Cooper. They focused on key issues, including human trafficking and extremism. India has consistently urged British authorities to take action against separatist elements, particularly banned organizations like Sikhs for Justice, to prevent anti-India activities in the UK. Following his meeting, Jaishankar shared on X (formerly Twitter), “We discussed the flow of talent, people-to-people exchanges, and joint efforts in tackling trafficking and extremism.”
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar also met UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, to review the progress of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. Talks resumed last week after discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Keir Starmer at the G20 summit in Rio last year. The UK announced the opening of two new Indian consulates in Belfast and Manchester to further strengthen the £41 billion trade relationship and support the Indian community. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated, “The opening of new Indian consulates demonstrates the growing links between our peoples and how we are working together to deliver growth across the UK.”
