Jaishankar faces security scare as pro-Khalistani heckler run toward car
What's the story
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar faced a security scare in London on Wednesday as a pro-Khalistani protester ran toward his car and ripped the Indian national flag. The incident occurred as Jaishankar was exiting an event organized by Chatham House in association with the High Commission of India. Videos of the incident show the protester shouting "Khalistan Zindabad" as he ripped the flag.
Incident aftermath
Protester briefly detained, Jaishankar unharmed
Local police detained the man briefly before letting him go. Jaishankar was unharmed in the incident. The protest was part of a larger demonstration by Khalistani supporters outside the venue. Protesters waved flags and shouted pro-Khalistani slogans as Jaishankar participated in discussions at Chatham House. Before this incident, a group of pro-Khalistan extremists had stormed a cinema in London's Harrow in an attempt to stop the screening of the movie "Emergency," which stars Kangana Ranaut as Indira Gandhi, in January.
Twitter Post
Video of the protest
Khalistani elements attempt to heckle India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar while he was leaving in a car after attending an event in London, England.
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) March 6, 2025
The National flag of India was desecrated.
The Govt of India must revoke the PIO/OCI cards of anti-India elements. pic.twitter.com/ogNjVkIpB6
Diplomatic tour
Jaishankar's UK visit amid rising Khalistani extremism
Jaishankar is on an official visit to the UK and Ireland from March 4-9 to bolster diplomatic ties. He has met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. The talks focused on talent flow and joint action against trafficking and extremism. After the UK, Jaishankar will visit Ireland to meet Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris and interact with officials and the Indian diaspora.