India on Thursday condemned the trespassing and vandalism at its embassy in Zagreb, Croatia, after pro-Khalistan elements removed the Indian national flag and briefly raised a Khalistan flag at the mission premises, in a provocative act ahead of Republic Day celebrations.
In a sharply worded statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the incident amounted to a serious breach of international norms governing the safety and sanctity of diplomatic premises.
“We condemn the incident of trespassing and vandalism at our embassy in Zagreb, Croatia by anti-India elements,” the MEA said, underscoring that diplomatic missions are inviolable under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and must be protected by the host country.
The ministry said the matter had been taken up “strongly” with Croatian authorities both in New Delhi and Zagreb, with India seeking swift action against those responsible. “We have asked them to hold the perpetrators accountable for their reprehensible and illegal actions,” the statement said.
The incident was particularly concerning as it occurred ahead of the participation of senior European Union leaders in India’s Republic Day event, a timing New Delhi views as a deliberate attempt to draw attention and internationalise a fringe extremist agenda.
The MEA also cautioned that such acts reveal the “character and motives” of those behind them, adding that law enforcement agencies globally should take note of the methods and objectives of these groups.
India has repeatedly raised concerns with several countries over the activities of pro-Khalistan elements targeting Indian diplomatic missions, officials and symbols abroad, and has called on host governments to ensure adequate security and uphold their international obligations.