India has strongly objected to the security lapse that took place during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's recent trip to the UK. The incident has triggered outrage, with India calling it a "provocative act" aimed at challenging the sovereignty of the nation.
The security lapse, in which protesters waved separatist flags and slogans, has raised serious doubts about the UK's capability to ensure a secure environment for visiting dignitaries. India has taken offense at the fact that the protesters were permitted to approach Jaishankar's convoy, even though there were UK security personnel present.
The incident has also led to a diplomatic controversy, with India calling in the UK's High Commissioner to register a strong protest. India has asked for an explanation of the security lapse and has sought assurances that such an incident will not be repeated in the future.
The breach in security has also created questions regarding the security of Indian nationals resident in the UK. The Indian diaspora community in the UK has experienced growing cases of hate crimes and vandalism, and the breach of security has simply served to amplify fear.
India has requested the UK to act urgently in this regard and ensure that the nation offers a secure and safe environment for Indians. The event has underlined the importance of enhanced cooperation between the two nations in security and law enforcement issues.
In a stern statement, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the security violation was "unacceptable" and that India would like the UK to make immediate efforts to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future. The MEA further reiterated that India cherishes its bilateral relationship with the UK but that sovereignty and security issues of the country cannot be neglected.