Tolerating misuse of freedom of expression is very wrong : Dr S Jaishankar

EAM Dr Jaishankar’s statement during discussions with the British Government on the activities of Khalistanis

London (England) – External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar addressed the press before returning to India from his 5-day visit to Britain. He said that freedom of speech and expression should be exercised with a certain responsibility. The misuse of these freedoms and the toleration of such misuse for political purposes is very wrong. He said that he voiced this opinion to the British leaders.

Dr Jaishankar further said,

1. I had extensive discussions with British Cabinet Ministers and leaders of the Opposition on global and bilateral issues.

2. The meeting was held with British Home Secretary James Cleverly and National Security Adviser Tim Barrow. During the meeting, India expressed concern about the security of Indian diplomats against the backdrop of ongoing activities in support of Khalistanis.

3. The conflict between Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas was also discussed with David Cameron, the newly appointed Foreign Minister of Britain.

4. Overall, I would say this visit was timely, and much needed because these personal interactions do a lot in really developing an understanding between countries. I was very satisfied, the British system made an effort to engage at all the relevant levels from the Prime Minister downwards, and that itself is a statement of the closeness of our ties today.