London: External affairs minister S Jaishankar was heckled and faced an attempted attack by Khalistani extremists in London on Thursday (IST) as he departed in a car following an event at the Chatham House think tank.

Jaishankar is currently on a two-nation tour.

A video circulating online captures a man rushing toward Jaishankar’s vehicle and tearing the Indian national flag while London police officers stood by without reacting.

The act of vandalism unfolded in their presence, raising concerns about security measures.

Several pro-Khalistan demonstrators were seen holding flags and staging a protest outside the venue where Jaishankar had participated in discussions.

The incident occurred amid Jaishankar’s official visit to the UK from March 4-9, during which he was scheduled to meet British foreign secretary David Lammy and other key officials.

Jaishankar's UK-Ireland visit

Jaishankar's agenda includes strengthening the India-UK comprehensive strategic partnership, covering trade, health, education, people-to-people ties, and defence cooperation.

Jaishankar wrote on X: "Held wide-ranging and productive talks with Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy over the past two days at the Chevening House."

"We discussed the entire gamut of bilateral ties, especially our focus on strategic coordination, political cooperation, trade deal negotiation, education, technology, mobility and people-to-people exchanges. Agreed to formulate the next steps to further strengthen and structure them," he said.

Ireland visit

Following his UK engagements, Jaishankar will visit Ireland from March 6-7, where he is set to meet Irish foreign minister Simon Harris, hold discussions with officials, and interact with the Indian diaspora.