Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar faced an attempted attack during his visit to London. The incident occurred outside Chatham House when protesters approached his vehicle and attempted to attack him. The Indian national flag was also torn during the incident.
According to Indian media outlet India Today, the attack was orchestrated by Khalistan supporters. Jaishankar was attending a discussion at Chatham House when the protesters, holding flags and chanting anti-India slogans, gathered on the street nearby.
When Jaishankar was leaving the venue, a protester suddenly rushed towards his convoy and tore the Indian flag. Other protesters also approached his vehicle and continued shouting slogans.
Though the police initially hesitated, they eventually removed the protesters from the scene. Security experts believe this incident highlights a concerning lapse in Jaishankar’s security.
The pro-Khalistan group ‘Sikhs for Justice’ (SFJ), led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, is suspected to be behind the attack. The SFJ has a history of anti-India demonstrations and attacks, including a previous incident involving the Indian High Commissioner in Glasgow.
During his UK visit, Jaishankar also held a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, discussing economic cooperation and the situation in Ukraine.