The issue of racism in the UK — prised open by American actress Meghan Markle’s allegations against the royal family — found an echo in the Rajya Sabha on Monday in what appeared to be the BJP’s eye-for-an-eye response to the discussion in British Parliament on the farmers’ protest last week.

Volunteering to respond, external affairs minister S. Jaishankar said the land of Mahatma Gandhi can never turn its eyes away from racism, adding that India would raise the issue when required. This came hours before Jaishankar met British minister of state for the Commonwealth and United Nation, Tariq Ahmad, the Baron of Wimbledon.

“Concern for Racism in United Kingdom’’ was raised by BJP MP Ashwini Vaishnaw as a Zero Hour mention. It secured a response from Jaishankar though it is not mandatory for ministers to respond to Zero Hour mentions.

Twenty-seven MPs — 20 from the BJP — associated with Vaishnaw’s mention, the others being six from the BJD and one from the NCP.

Jaishankar said: “Let me, first of all, commend the member for bringing up such an important issue. I note the sentiments of the House, government does.... As the land of Mahatma Gandhi, we can never ever turn our eyes away from racism….”