UK Government Expresses Concern Over Disruption During Indian Diplomat’s Visit to Sikh Temple in Glasgow

In a social media post, Minister Trevelyan underscored the significance of ensuring the safety and security of foreign diplomats and stressed the importance of keeping places of worship in the UK accessible to all.

India’s embassy in Britain issued a statement explaining that its top diplomat, Vikram Doraiswami, and another senior official had planned to meet with community leaders at a Sikh gurdwara (place of worship) in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, on Friday. The statement reported that three protesters, described as “non-local extremist elements,” had threatened the Indian diplomats. One of the protesters even attempted to open the door of Doraiswami’s car, prompting the officials to cancel their visit.

Scotland’s police force confirmed that officers had responded to a report of a disturbance near the gurdwara but noted that there were no injuries. Ongoing inquiries were reported, and no arrests had been made.

The religious body representing the Glasgow Gurdwara issued a statement condemning the disorderly behaviour that disrupted the peaceful proceedings at the Sikh place of worship.

Canada and the United Kingdom are home to the largest populations of Sikhs outside India. Many Sikhs emigrated to these countries to escape violence during the 1970s and 1980s in the Indian state of Punjab, which resulted in thousands of deaths.

Earlier this year, India filed a complaint with Britain after Khalistani activist removed the Indian flag from the country’s high commission in central London and called for improved security measures.