India Global Forum (IGF) Chairman Manoj Ladwa has issued a strong condemnation of the attempted disruption and attack on Dr S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, outside Chatham House in London.
The incident, orchestrated by Khalistani extremists, has raised concerns about security and the growing menace of extremist elements seeking to undermine the positive trajectory of UK-India relations.
Speaking on the matter, Ladwa, who is also chairman of the UK India Future Forum, stated: “The attempted attack on Dr Jaishankar by Khalistani extremists is utterly deplorable. There must always be a clear distinction between legitimate freedom of expression and violently provocative behaviour, which is an affront to the values we cherish in this country. Such acts have no place in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemned.
“That said, they should not detract from the significant progress being made towards a UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the broader cooperation that is vital as our two great democracies come together.”
A threat to democratic values
The incident outside Chatham House, one of the world’s most respected foreign policy institutions, has sparked widespread condemnation. The violent and aggressive behaviour of a fringe extremist group is seen as an attempt to intimidate and disrupt diplomatic engagement between the UK and India.
Ladwa, a longstanding advocate of strong UK-India ties, underscored that while peaceful protests are a hallmark of democratic societies, violent provocations and threats must not be tolerated. He emphasized the need for British authorities to take firm action against groups that promote violent agendas and engage in disruptive activities under the guise of protest.
MORE LIKE THIS…
UK-India ties must stay on course
At a time when negotiations for a historic FTA between the UK and India are in an advanced stage, the IGF Chairman cautioned against allowing extremist elements to distract from the larger goal of deepening bilateral ties.
“The UK and India are on the cusp of a defining economic partnership. The FTA, once concluded, will not only unlock significant trade and investment opportunities but also strengthen the strategic partnership between our two nations. No fringe group should be allowed to derail this progress,” Ladwa remarked.
Beyond trade, India and the UK are enhancing cooperation in areas such as defence, technology, climate change, and healthcare, making it imperative that diplomatic engagements are protected from external disruptions.
A call for action
Ladwa’s comments come amid growing calls for greater vigilance by UK authorities against extremist elements operating on British soil. The presence of Khalistani groups advocating separatism and resorting to aggressive tactics has been a long-standing concern, and this latest incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of laws against incitement to violence.
Many within the UK’s Indian diaspora and political circles have urged the UK government to ensure that Britain remains a safe space for open dialogue and diplomatic engagement, without fear of intimidation or violence.
MORE LIKE THIS…
A unified response needed
India Global Forum, which serves as a premier platform for UK-India engagement across business, politics, and culture, reaffirmed its commitment to fostering constructive dialogue and collaboration between the two nations.
“At a time when global cooperation is more crucial than ever, the UK and India must stand firm against those who seek to divide us. Our partnership is built on shared democratic values, economic ambitions, and deep historical ties. We must not allow extremists to dictate the future of this relationship,” Ladwa concluded.
As UK-India relations move towards a transformational phase, the consensus among key stakeholders remains clear—acts of violence and intimidation must not be allowed to overshadow the immense potential of this partnership.
*Info: India Global Forum