London witnessed chaotic scenes this week as Khalistani separatist demonstrators targeted India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, during his visit to the United Kingdom. The incident occurred when Dr. Jaishankar, accompanied by Indian diplomatic staff, was heckled by protesters as they staged their protest outside the venue where EAM Dr S Jaishankar participated in a discussion held by Chatham House. The demonstrators shouted slogans and one passerby made an obscene gesture toward the minister’s vehicle.
BREAKING: Khalistan supporters in London, U.K., heckled India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and his envoy. A passerby made an obscene gesture toward them.
— Mocha Bezirgan 🇨🇦 (@BezirganMocha) March 5, 2025
The group accuses the minister and his government of assassinating their members and is… pic.twitter.com/QARU3sJbGI
The disruption escalated further when one protester suddenly ran into the street, attempting to block the minister’s car. London police quickly intervened, detaining the individual briefly before releasing him without charges.
DRAMATIC: London police rush to detain a Khalistani separatist who ran in front of the vehicle carrying India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
— Mocha Bezirgan 🇨🇦 (@BezirganMocha) March 5, 2025
He was briefly detained and then released.
Follow @MediaBezirgan for more on-the-ground journalism from around… pic.twitter.com/oPXM2Gg5A9
The protest took an unusual and surprising turn when demonstrators began loudly chanting in support of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Referring to him as “Jathadar,” a title traditionally used for revered Sikh military leaders, the group praised Trudeau’s perceived support for their cause.
Unparalleled Love for Justin Trudeau: Khalistanis chant, “Long live Jathadar (leader of Sikh soldiers) Trudeau!” ❤️
— Mocha Bezirgan 🇨🇦 (@BezirganMocha) March 5, 2025
I was surprised to hear this chant in London, U.K. by non-Canadians. When I questioned them on how Trudeau earned such a serious title, they retracted the chant… pic.twitter.com/55AS1lyXal
The unexpected show of affection for the Canadian leader puzzled bystanders and even journalists covering the event. Mocha Bezirgan, a reporter present at the scene, later recounted that he was surprised to hear such chants in London, especially from individuals who were not Canadian citizens. When questioned about why Trudeau was being granted such an exalted title, the protesters momentarily withdrew their slogans, only to double down on their admiration.
“When Khalistan is established, there will be a statue of him,” one protester declared, while another added, “Trudeau’s face will be printed on Khalistan’s currency.”
The scenes in London paint a curious picture of Trudeau’s global reputation. While the Canadian Prime Minister continues to face mounting criticism at home, including declining approval ratings and political controversies, his popularity among this faction of Khalistani separatists appears to be flourishing overseas.