During S. Jaishankar’s official visit to the UK, a Khalistani extremist breached his security, tearing the Indian flag. Following this incident, Jaishankar defended India’s position on Kashmir, rejecting third-party intervention and maintaining that the unresolved issue lies with Pakistan-occupied territory.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is currently visiting the United Kingdom from March 4 to March 9. During his visit, a pro-Khalistan extremist breached the security around him in London, directly approaching his vehicle and tearing the Indian flag in the presence of law enforcement.
This incident occurred as a group of pro-Khalistan protesters attempted to disrupt Jaishankar’s discussions at Chatham House. As he was departing the venue, an individual darted towards his convoy, taking advantage of police hesitation to tear the tricolor flag before the security forces promptly intervened. Another video depicted the protesting group outside Chatham House, where they waved flags and chanted slogans advocating for Khalistani independence.
Despite these disturbances, Jaishankar engaged in significant dialogues at Chevening House with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. They discussed various bilateral matters, focusing on strategic cooperation, political relations, trade, education, technology, and cultural exchanges.
During a scheduled discussion at Chatham House, Jaishankar staunchly defended India’s stance on the Kashmir issue. He dismissed the need for third-party intervention, citing actions taken by India such as the abrogation of Article 370, economic development, and successful elections in the region as measures that address the local situation. Yet, he noted that the territorial dispute with Pakistan remains unresolved, stating, “I think the part we are waiting for is the return of the stolen part of Kashmir, which is under an illegal Pakistani occupation. When that’s done, I assure you, Kashmir solved.”
The incident involving a pro-Khalistan extremist underscores the tensions surrounding S. Jaishankar’s visit to the UK, particularly regarding issues related to Kashmir. Despite security breaches and protests, Jaishankar robustly defended India’s policies and emphasized the need to resolve territorial disputes with Pakistan. His visit highlights key areas of bilateral cooperation while addressing India’s stance on international platforms.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
