The Indian government on Wednesday (March 22) removed external security, including barricades placed outside the United Kingdom's (UK) mission and High Commissioner Alex Ellis' residence in New Delhi, after the Indian High Commission in London was vandalised by Khalistani extremists last Sunday (March 19). Visuals on Twitter showed the barricades nowhere to be seen outside the mission and the residence of Alex Ellis.&nbsp;

On being asked about the removal (of barricades), a British High Commission spokesperson told WION, "We do not comment on security matters."

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Breaking: India removes all external security infront of the British High commission &amp; high commissioner's residence. Move come after Indian commission in London was vandalized by Khalistani extremists. <a href="https://t.co/GloYp1e8a9">pic.twitter.com/GloYp1e8a9</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1638440327890751488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The vandalism at the Indian High Commission in London prompted the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to summon the senior-most UK diplomat on Sunday night.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-summons-senior-british-diplomat-after-high-commission-in-london-vandalised-by-khalistani-extremists-573693">India summons senior British diplomat after High Commission in London vandalised by Khalistani extremists</a>

According to an official statement, the diplomat was summoned to convey New Delhi's strong protest at the actions taken by separatist and extremist elements against the high commission in London earlier on Sunday.&nbsp;

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Indian authorities remove barricades from outside the UK mission in New Delhi, days after the Indian High Commission in London was attacked by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Khalistani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Khalistani</a> elements<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONShorts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONShorts</a> 
 
For more videos, visit: <a href="https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J">https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J</a> <a href="https://t.co/4n4l1Y7LHS">pic.twitter.com/4n4l1Y7LHS</a>
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An explanation was demanded for the complete absence of British security that allowed these elements to enter the High Commission premises. "India finds unacceptable the indifference of the UK government to the security of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel in the UK."

"It is expected that the UK government would take immediate steps to identify, arrest and prosecute each one of those involved in today's incident, and put in place stringent measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents," the MEA statement had added.&nbsp;

One person was arrested in connection with the vandalism.&nbsp;

In India, many politicians condemned the incident. Speaking to ANI, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said it was utterly shocking that the vandalism was allowed to happen. "The real problem is not inside the High Commission but on the premises outside, which is the responsibility of the local authorities, in this case, the British authorities, to protect," Tharoor said.&nbsp;

He added that if the British Police were completely derelict in their duty and they allowed this nonsense to happen, "this is a major insult that we can't tolerate."

Taking to Twitter, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill said, “Jhanda Ooncha Rahe Hamara”- UK Govt must act against those miscreants who attempted to disrespect the Indian Flag at High Commission, London. Punjab &amp; Punjabis have a glorious track record of serving/protecting the Nation. Handful of jumping jacks sitting in UK do not represent Punjab."

(With inputs from Sidhant Sibal) 
 
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The Indian government on Wednesday (March 22) removed external security, including barricades placed outside the United Kingdom's (UK) mission and High Commissioner Alex Ellis' residence in New Delhi, after the Indian High Commission in London was vandalised by Khalistani extremists last Sunday (March 19).

The Indian government on Wednesday (March 22) removed external security, including barricades placed outside the United Kingdom's (UK) mission and High Commissioner Alex Ellis' residence in New Delhi, after the Indian High Commission in London was vandalised by Khalistani extremists last Sunday (March 19). Visuals on Twitter showed the barricades nowhere to be seen outside the mission and the residence of Alex Ellis. On being asked about the removal (of barricades), a British High Commission spokesperson told WION, "We do not comment on security matters." Breaking: India removes all external security infront of the British High commission & high commissioner's residence. Move come after Indian commission in London was vandalized by Khalistani extremists. pic.twitter.com/GloYp1e8a9 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 22, 2023 × The vandalism at the Indian High Commission in London prompted the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to summon the senior-most UK diplomat on Sunday night. ALSO READ | India summons senior British diplomat after High Commission in London vandalised by Khalistani extremists According to an official statement, the diplomat was summoned to convey New Delhi's strong protest at the actions taken by separatist and extremist elements against the high commission in London earlier on Sunday. Indian authorities remove barricades from outside the UK mission in New Delhi, days after the Indian High Commission in London was attacked by #Khalistani elements#WIONShorts For more videos, visit: https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J pic.twitter.com/4n4l1Y7LHS — WION (@WIONews) March 22, 2023 × An explanation was demanded for the complete absence of British security that allowed these elements to enter the High Commission premises. "India finds unacceptable the indifference of the UK government to the security of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel in the UK." "It is expected that the UK government would take immediate steps to identify, arrest and prosecute each one of those involved in today's incident, and put in place stringent measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents," the MEA statement had added. One person was arrested in connection with the vandalism. In India, many politicians condemned the incident. Speaking to ANI, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said it was utterly shocking that the vandalism was allowed to happen. "The real problem is not inside the High Commission but on the premises outside, which is the responsibility of the local authorities, in this case, the British authorities, to protect," Tharoor said. He added that if the British Police were completely derelict in their duty and they allowed this nonsense to happen, "this is a major insult that we can't tolerate." Taking to Twitter, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill said, “Jhanda Ooncha Rahe Hamara”- UK Govt must act against those miscreants who attempted to disrespect the Indian Flag at High Commission, London. Punjab & Punjabis have a glorious track record of serving/protecting the Nation. Handful of jumping jacks sitting in UK do not represent Punjab." (With inputs from Sidhant Sibal) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India removes security from outside UK mission after vandalism at Indian High Commission in London

Elizabeth is majestic, hardy and "very fashionable", said a top Singapore flower curator—referring not to the late monarch, but to an orchid named after the queen when she visited the former British colony.

After Queen Elizabeth II's death last week, the city-state's Botanic Gardens loaned a towering sprig of Dendrobium Elizabeth to the British high commissioner's residence, to be displayed alongside pictures of the monarch.

The&nbsp;orchid&nbsp;hybrid, with twisted Dresden-yellow petals and a uranium-green lip, was named in honour of the queen when she visited Singapore in 1972, said Whang Lay Keng, curator at Singapore's National Orchid Garden.

"Dendrobium Elizabeth is a majestic, robust and resilient plant," she told AFP.

"It's kind of like how Queen Elizabeth carried herself."

Flowering just twice a year, the Dendrobium Elizabeth was bred from orchids originating from Singapore and Papua New Guinea, and carries just about 40 blooms per plant.

Orchid-mad Singapore boasts the delicate, colorful blooms as their national flower, and the city-state often christens new hybrids after visiting dignitaries as part of its diplomatic charm offensive.

The tradition took root in 1957 during British colonial rule—which spanned more than 140 years—when an orchid variety was named after the wife of London's high commissioner to Singapore at the time.

Queen Elizabeth first made a state visit to Singapore in 1972, followed by two more trips in 1989 and 2006.

"During the 1970s, the colour yellow-green was very popular, so naturally we wanted to select something that was fashionable and very interesting," Whang said, adding that "yellow is a colour of royalty".

But the tropical lowland orchid also has very distinct Southeast Asian traits.

It is a "sun-loving plant that thrives in a moist and humid climate, where sunlight and warmth are important for its growth", the orchid curator said.

Among the more than 200 orchid hybrids named after visiting leaders and celebrities—displayed in the VIP section of the city's sprawling Botanic Gardens—there is also the Dendrobium Memoria Princess Diana. The pastel-white bloom was so dubbed after the death of the princess of Wales.

Elizabeth is majestic, hardy and "very fashionable", said a top Singapore flower curator—referring not to the late monarch, but to an orchid named after the queen when she visited the former British colony.

Elizabeth is majestic, hardy and "very fashionable", said a top Singapore flower curator—referring not to the late monarch, but to an orchid named after the queen when she visited the former British colony. After Queen Elizabeth II's death last week, the city-state's Botanic Gardens loaned a towering sprig of Dendrobium Elizabeth to the British high commissioner's residence, to be displayed alongside pictures of the monarch. The orchid hybrid, with twisted Dresden-yellow petals and a uranium-green lip, was named in honour of the queen when she visited Singapore in 1972, said Whang Lay Keng, curator at Singapore's National Orchid Garden. "Dendrobium Elizabeth is a majestic, robust and resilient plant," she told AFP. "It's kind of like how Queen Elizabeth carried herself." Flowering just twice a year, the Dendrobium Elizabeth was bred from orchids originating from Singapore and Papua New Guinea, and carries just about 40 blooms per plant. Orchid-mad Singapore boasts the delicate, colorful blooms as their national flower, and the city-state often christens new hybrids after visiting dignitaries as part of its diplomatic charm offensive. The tradition took root in 1957 during British colonial rule—which spanned more than 140 years—when an orchid variety was named after the wife of London's high commissioner to Singapore at the time. Queen Elizabeth first made a state visit to Singapore in 1972, followed by two more trips in 1989 and 2006. "During the 1970s, the colour yellow-green was very popular, so naturally we wanted to select something that was fashionable and very interesting," Whang said, adding that "yellow is a colour of royalty". But the tropical lowland orchid also has very distinct Southeast Asian traits. It is a "sun-loving plant that thrives in a moist and humid climate, where sunlight and warmth are important for its growth", the orchid curator said. Among the more than 200 orchid hybrids named after visiting leaders and celebrities—displayed in the VIP section of the city's sprawling Botanic Gardens—there is also the Dendrobium Memoria Princess Diana. The pastel-white bloom was so dubbed after the death of the princess of Wales.

A majestic Singapore orchid named in honour of Queen Elizabeth

Last week saw India taking a batch of 24 foreign envoys to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. British High Commissioner Alexander Ellis was not one of them. Of the 24 envoys, the largest group of 9 envoys was from Europe. These were envoys of the EU, Finland, France, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.

India was keen for British High commissioner to also be part of the visit. While the UK did not participate, it was aware of the visit being organized by the Indian government. It is understood that the UK mission in Delhi is closely working with authorities to find the best opportunity for UK high commissioner to visit the union territory soon.

This comes even as within the UK, a number of voices have been keen on developments in Jammu and Kashmir. A visit by British HC could have been a grand occasion to take stock of situation of things on the ground, especially in the backdrop of recent district development council elections and the resumption of 4G internet.&nbsp;&nbsp;

January saw a discussion on Kashmir in the British Parliament, with Minister for Asia Nigel Adams reiterating the official policy, that it is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

"We continue to believe that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution to the situation," he said.

On the removal of special status, he underlined, "There have been recent elections to the District Development Council... the first to take place since the revocation of article 370" and welcomed the relaxation of restrictions.

Interestingly, the British High commissioner to Pakistan visited Altit fort in Hunza valley in Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK) in October of last year amid the COVID pandemic.

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&nbsp;

His key focus was boosting tourism in the area, but also, awarding Scottish scholarship to women in Gilgit.

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Last week saw India taking a batch of 24 foreign envoys to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. British High Commissioner Alexander Ellis was not one of them.

Last week saw India taking a batch of 24 foreign envoys to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. British High Commissioner Alexander Ellis was not one of them. Of the 24 envoys, the largest group of 9 envoys was from Europe. These were envoys of the EU, Finland, France, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. India was keen for British High commissioner to also be part of the visit. While the UK did not participate, it was aware of the visit being organized by the Indian government. It is understood that the UK mission in Delhi is closely working with authorities to find the best opportunity for UK high commissioner to visit the union territory soon. This comes even as within the UK, a number of voices have been keen on developments in Jammu and Kashmir. A visit by British HC could have been a grand occasion to take stock of situation of things on the ground, especially in the backdrop of recent district development council elections and the resumption of 4G internet. January saw a discussion on Kashmir in the British Parliament, with Minister for Asia Nigel Adams reiterating the official policy, that it is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. "We continue to believe that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution to the situation," he said. On the removal of special status, he underlined, "There have been recent elections to the District Development Council... the first to take place since the revocation of article 370" and welcomed the relaxation of restrictions. Interestingly, the British High commissioner to Pakistan visited Altit fort in Hunza valley in Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK) in October of last year amid the COVID pandemic. https://twitter.com/CTurnerFCDO/status/1314893081959780353 × His key focus was boosting tourism in the area, but also, awarding Scottish scholarship to women in Gilgit. https://twitter.com/CTurnerFCDO/status/1314117582958583808 ×

Absent during current visit, UK working closely for envoy Alexander Eliis' Jammu and Kashmir visit

The United Kingdom on Friday reacted on protests that took place outside the Indian High Commission on Thursday.&nbsp;

Indians gathered in London outside the Indian High Commission were reportedly attacked by Pakistanis.&nbsp;

While speaking to WION, British High Commission spokesperson said, "Yesterday’s protest outside the Indian High Commission in London was overwhelmingly peaceful. We were in close contact with our colleagues at the Indian High Commission throughout the day."

Meanwhile, reports have emerged stating that the London Police have arrested four Pak nationals in the matter.

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British High Commission <a href="https://twitter.com/UKinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UKinIndia</a> spokx to <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIONews</a> : Yesterday’s protest outside the Indian High Commission in London was overwhelmingly peaceful. We were in close contact with our colleagues at the Indian High Commission throughout the day. <a href="https://t.co/IFZcscrJE0">https://t.co/IFZcscrJE0</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1162329716742742018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Thousands of people protested outside the Indian High Commission in London on Thursday over Centre's recent move to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/preventive-restrictions-to-rollback-in-phased-manner-says-jk-chief-secretary-schools-offices-open-from-monday-243363">abrogate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir</a>.

A small counter-demonstration was kept apart from the main protest by the police, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Four people were arrested for affray, obstruction of police and possession of an offensive weapon, police said.

"One person was injured during the demonstrations," they said.

In a statement,&nbsp;London's Metropolitan Police&nbsp;said,&nbsp;"The event was largely peaceful but officers did have to react and deal with a small number of incidents as they happened. In total there were four arrests for Section 4 of the Public Order Act, affray, obstruction of police and possession of an offensive weapon".

"Public order trained officers were policing today's demonstration as part of a planned operation. One person was injured during the demonstrations," the statement added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

The United Kingdom on Friday reacted on protests that took place outside the Indian High Commission on Thursday. Indians gathered in London outside the Indian High Commission were reportedly attacked by Pakistanis.

The United Kingdom on Friday reacted on protests that took place outside the Indian High Commission on Thursday. Indians gathered in London outside the Indian High Commission were reportedly attacked by Pakistanis. While speaking to WION, British High Commission spokesperson said, "Yesterday’s protest outside the Indian High Commission in London was overwhelmingly peaceful. We were in close contact with our colleagues at the Indian High Commission throughout the day." Meanwhile, reports have emerged stating that the London Police have arrested four Pak nationals in the matter. British High Commission @UKinIndia spokx to @WIONews : Yesterday’s protest outside the Indian High Commission in London was overwhelmingly peaceful. We were in close contact with our colleagues at the Indian High Commission throughout the day. https://t.co/IFZcscrJE0 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) August 16, 2019 × Thousands of people protested outside the Indian High Commission in London on Thursday over Centre's recent move to abrogate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. A small counter-demonstration was kept apart from the main protest by the police, news agency Reuters reported. Four people were arrested for affray, obstruction of police and possession of an offensive weapon, police said. "One person was injured during the demonstrations," they said. In a statement, London's Metropolitan Police said, "The event was largely peaceful but officers did have to react and deal with a small number of incidents as they happened. In total there were four arrests for Section 4 of the Public Order Act, affray, obstruction of police and possession of an offensive weapon". "Public order trained officers were policing today's demonstration as part of a planned operation. One person was injured during the demonstrations," the statement added. (With inputs from Reuters)

'Overwhelmingly peaceful,' says British High Commission on protests outside Indian High Commission in London

The Indian government has granted British officials the consular access to meet Christian Michel who is the alleged key middleman in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-scam-christian-michel-named-mrs-gandhi-son-of-italian-lady-in-probe-ed-tells-court-187221">AgustaWestland</a> case.&nbsp;

On Friday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said," I can confirm Christian Michel has been granted consular access". A second secretary level officer from the British High Commission met Michel on Thursday.&nbsp;

The British High Commission also confirmed saying, "Our staff are supporting a British man who is detained in India, and have visited him to check his welfare". The High Commission had requested India to grant consular access to Michel last month when he was extradited from the UAE.

Remember Christian Michel, who despite being a British national, was extradited from the UAE on December 2018. The operation to get him back was named operation 'Unicorn' and according to the CBI, it was "carried out under the guidance of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval" and was "coordinated by interim CBI Director M Nageshwar Rao."

Michel's extradition is being considered a shot in the arm for the Modi government just before the 2019 polls. Reacting to the extradition, PM Modi had said, "we've caught a 'raazdaar' of chopper scam and brought him here. The entire family (Gandhi family) is now scared of the things which will be revealed. They are scared as to whose name will he take if he opens his mouth."

He has been in the custody of the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) since December. According to the ED, during an interrogation, Michel had taken the name of "Mrs Gandhi," though the reference wasn't clear. He had spoken about the "the son of the Italian lady" and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country."

The Indian government has granted British officials the consular access to meet Christian Michel who is the alleged key middleman in the AgustaWestland case. On Friday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said," I can confirm Christian Michel has been granted consular access".

The Indian government has granted British officials the consular access to meet Christian Michel who is the alleged key middleman in the AgustaWestland case. On Friday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said," I can confirm Christian Michel has been granted consular access". A second secretary level officer from the British High Commission met Michel on Thursday. The British High Commission also confirmed saying, "Our staff are supporting a British man who is detained in India, and have visited him to check his welfare". The High Commission had requested India to grant consular access to Michel last month when he was extradited from the UAE. Remember Christian Michel, who despite being a British national, was extradited from the UAE on December 2018. The operation to get him back was named operation 'Unicorn' and according to the CBI, it was "carried out under the guidance of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval" and was "coordinated by interim CBI Director M Nageshwar Rao." Michel's extradition is being considered a shot in the arm for the Modi government just before the 2019 polls. Reacting to the extradition, PM Modi had said, "we've caught a 'raazdaar' of chopper scam and brought him here. The entire family (Gandhi family) is now scared of the things which will be revealed. They are scared as to whose name will he take if he opens his mouth." He has been in the custody of the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) since December. According to the ED, during an interrogation, Michel had taken the name of "Mrs Gandhi," though the reference wasn't clear. He had spoken about the "the son of the Italian lady" and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country."

India grants British High Commission consular access to Christian Michel

The British High Commission in India has got consular access to Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-scam-christian-michel-named-mrs-gandhi-son-of-italian-lady-in-probe-ed-tells-court-187221">AgustaWestland VVIP chopper</a> deal case, reported news agency ANI.

The High Commission said that its staff have visited Michel to check his welfare, the report added.

"Our staff are supporting a British man who is detained in India, and have visited him to check his welfare,” British High Commission in India said.

Earlier ED counsel told Delhi's Patiala court during the plea to extend his custody that he has spoken about the "son of the Italian lady" &nbsp;and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country''.&nbsp;

Michel was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4.&nbsp;

The British High Commission in India has got consular access to Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case, reported news agency ANI.

The British High Commission in India has got consular access to Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case, reported news agency ANI. The High Commission said that its staff have visited Michel to check his welfare, the report added. "Our staff are supporting a British man who is detained in India, and have visited him to check his welfare,” British High Commission in India said. Earlier ED counsel told Delhi's Patiala court during the plea to extend his custody that he has spoken about the "son of the Italian lady" and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country''. Michel was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4.