The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the senior-most diplomat in the UK’s embassy in New Delhi late on Sunday to voice their opposition to the UK’s inaction against the pulling down of the Indian flag outside the Indian High Commission (IHC) in London.
MEA Release
A release by the MEA stressed that the incident occurred during a protest organised by “separatist and extremist elements” outside the Indian mission. To this end, the Ministry summoned Deputy High Commissioner Christina Scott, given that the High Commissioner Alex Ellis was travelling out of New Delhi.
India lodges strong protest with UK.
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) March 19, 2023
Press Release ➡️ https://t.co/Apz9tgy1Ki pic.twitter.com/PV2VyUw1Lt
It lamented the “complete absence of the British security” that allowed the protestors to trespass onto the premises, which the Ministry said violated London’s obligations under the Vienna Convention. Further, New Delhi found the UK’s “indifference” to be “unacceptable.”
To this end, it demanded “immediate steps” from British authorities to “identify, arrest, and prosecute” those involved in the incident and prevent such violations in the future.
UK 🚨: BUNCH OF KHALISTANIS TAKE DOWN INDIAN NATIONAL FLAG AT THE INDIAN HIGH COMMISSION. #Khalistan #Punjab #AmritpalSingh #India pic.twitter.com/7rfuAAcqkf
— Arunima Dey (@ArunimaDey17) March 19, 2023
UK’s Response
On Sunday, images and videos appeared on social media websites showing a man taking down the Indian flag from the IHC in London. The Khalistan supporters also climbed the India House and shattered windows, with many waving the Khalistani flag.
I condemn the disgraceful acts today against the people and premises of the @HCI_London - totally unacceptable.
— Alex Ellis (@AlexWEllis) March 19, 2023
The UK’s Minister of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, Tariq Ahmad, said that the government is “appalled” at the incident, which he said was “completely unacceptable.”
Meanwhile, the local police said that one male had been arrested for participating in the violent incident. They added that the investigation is ongoing.
Am appalled by today’s attack on the Indian High Commission in London. This is a completely unacceptable action against the integrity of the Mission and its staff. The UK Government will always take the security of the Indian High Commission seriously.
— Lord (Tariq)Ahmad of Wimbledon (@tariqahmadbt) March 19, 2023
India’s Khalistan Problem
The Khalistan movement has re-emerged as a concern for the Indian government, domestically and internationally.
Over the past few days, authorities have arrested 112 supporters of Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh, who has been on the run since Saturday. He is accused of working with the Pakistani ISI and terrorist groups in foreign countries.
Day 2 on Mega crackdown on #AmritpalSingh backed Waris Punjab De wanted on criminal charges, made preventive arrests of persons attempting to disturb Law & Order in #Punjab (1/2) pic.twitter.com/CG37H0UE1K
— Punjab Police India (@PunjabPoliceInd) March 19, 2023
The security operation was launched after six police officers were injured in a clash with Khalistani extremists, who entered a police station with swords and guns to demand the release of one of the group’s supporters. Subsequently, 78 suspected Khalistani supporters were arrested in relation to this incident.
Outside its borders, India has vehemently opposed independence referendums conducted by the pro-Khalistan Sikhs for Justice group in Australia and Canada. It has also demanded strong action and condemnations from the two governments.