UK Expresses "Unacceptable Apathy": India Criticizes Protests at Embassy in London
Spiced-Up Spat:
India has taken a hard stance against the UK, voicing its displeasure at the UK government's alleged "callousness" towards the safety and security of their diplomatic properties and personnel. In a blunt remark, India's foreign ministry summoned the UK's top diplomat in New Delhi last night, following an incident where Khalistani sympathizers descended on the Indian High Commission in London and made off with the Indian flag.
Adding fuel to the fire, the foreign ministry demanded an explanation for the "startling absence" of British protection that allowed the intruders to storm the high commission premises. The statement went on to criticize the UK government's "insensitivity" towards Indian diplomats and staff as "unacceptable."
Video footage shared on social media showed protesters scaling the building and taking down the Indian flag in London. Meanwhile, in Australia's Brisbane, pro-Khalistan groups held what they called a referendum on Khalistan.
"We insist on an explanation for the nonchalant attitude of the UK Government towards the safety and security of our officials," the foreign ministry declared. The ministry expressed hope that the UK Government would promptly arrest, prosecute, and punish those involved in the incident and take robust measures to prevent a repeat of such occurrences.
On the other hand, British High Commissioner Alex Ellis took to Twitter, sharing updates on the ongoing suppression of Amritpal Singh's supporters. The clashes between supporters and police resulted in several arrests, including that of Daljeet Singh Kalsi, Amritpal Singh's close aide and financial manager.
However, the Punjab authorities downplayed the situation, assuring the public that the state was peaceful and the situation under control. Some sources hinted at Amritpal Singh's connections with the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI and terrorist groups operating abroad.
Last Updated: 20 March 2023
Sneaky Details:
Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), the UK is obligated to ensure the safety and security of Indian diplomatic properties and personnel within its territory. Key commitments include:
- Protecting Indian diplomatic premises from intrusion, damage, or disturbance.
- Guaranteeing the personal safety of Indian diplomats and staff from any threats.
- Respecting diplomatic immunities, preventing arrest or detention of Indian diplomatic agents.
- Avoiding interference in the internal functioning of the Indian diplomatic mission.
These commitments are essential to the inviolability and safety of Indian diplomatic representatives and properties in the host country, as stipulated under international law. Failure to adhere to these obligations could lead to international disputes and potential legal action[1][2][3].
- The general news story about the incident at the Indian High Commission in London has raised questions about the UK government's adherence to their obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, particularly in ensuring the safety and security of Indian diplomatic properties and personnel.
- In addition to the ongoing spat with the UK, the foreign policy-and-legislation arena has been dominated by discussions about the war-and-conflicts in various regions, with concerns growing over alleged connections between Amritpal Singh, a prominent figure in the Khalistan movement, and terrorist groups operating abroad.
- Beyond the specific incidents and controversies, this case also underscores the importance of the Khalistani issue in the realm of politics, as it continues to impact relations between nations and pit governments against each other, further highlighting the need for effective policy-and-legislation to address crime-and-justice issues and maintain diplomatic relations.
