'Any intimidation attempt..completely unacceptable': UK reacts to Jaishankar's security breach
What's the story
The United Kingdom government has condemned a security breach involving India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during his visit to London.
The incident took place outside Chatham House where pro-Khalistan supporters tried to heckle the minister as he was leaving in his car.
A video circulating on social media showed a man approaching the vehicle and tearing the Indian Tricolour.
Official response
UK Foreign Office and Metropolitan Police respond to incident
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said, "We strongly condemn the incident that took place outside Chatham House yesterday during the External Affair Minister's visit to the UK."
"While the UK upholds the right to peaceful protest, any attempts to intimidate, threaten or disrupt public events are completely unacceptable," it said.
It also said that the Metropolitan Police acted swiftly to address the situation and ensure the security of diplomatic visitors.
Diplomatic concerns
India expresses concern over security breach
Earlier in the day, India had expressed its strong disapproval over a security breach.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We deplore the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements," adding, "We expect the host government in such cases to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations."
The protest saw people shouting pro-Khalistani slogans and waving flags outside Chatham House.
One pro-Khalistan extremist even ran toward the car of Jaishankar before being escorted away.
Diplomatic visit
Jaishankar's UK visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations
During his UK visit from March 4 to March 9, Jaishankar sought to bolster bilateral ties between India and the UK.
The talks centered around strategic coordination, trade, technology, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
He also touched upon sensitive issues such as Kashmir, reiterating India's stance against third-party mediation.
Jaishankar met UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy during his visit.