India condemns Slovenia embassy vandalism
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday strongly condemned the defacement of the Indian embassy premises in Slovenia, allegedly carried out by anti-India elements, and called on Slovenian authorities to hold those responsible accountable.
“Under the Vienna Convention, diplomatic premises are inviolable and must be protected. We have taken up the matter strongly with Slovenian authorities, both in New Delhi and in Ljubljana, so that the perpetrators behind such reprehensible acts are held accountable,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
The ministry also urged law enforcement agencies in Slovenia and other countries to take firm action against what it described as hateful propaganda and disinformation being circulated by anti-India groups.
“We also call upon law enforcement authorities elsewhere to take note of the hateful propaganda and disinformation being spread by such groups,” the MEA said.
The embassy premises were reportedly defaced with slogans including “Khalistan Zindabad”. The incident also involved the defacement of the Indian flag and parts of the embassy building.
India’s diplomatic missions have faced similar incidents in the past in several Western countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. Indian authorities have previously linked some such incidents to pro-Khalistan activists.
There was no immediate public response from Slovenian authorities to the incident. India’s latest statement comes amid continued concerns over the security of its diplomatic and consular establishments abroad and the spread of anti-India propaganda.
The MEA has called for appropriate action against those responsible and reiterated that diplomatic premises must be protected in accordance with international obligations.
