Paris: India has lodged a strong protest with Slovenia after the Indian Embassy in Ljubljana was allegedly defaced with pro-Khalistan slogans and anti-India graffiti, in an incident that has triggered fresh concerns over hostile activities targeting Indian diplomatic missions in Europe.
According to reports, the embassy building was targeted on 10 August, with offensive messages and pro-Khalistan slogans allegedly painted on its premises. Videos and photographs circulating online reportedly show the exterior of the diplomatic mission covered with graffiti. The incident comes just days before India’s Independence Day, further heightening its sensitivity.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the alleged vandalism and described it as an act by anti-India elements. New Delhi called upon the Slovenian authorities to identify those responsible and initiate immediate and appropriate legal action.
India also underlined that diplomatic premises enjoy special protection under international law and must remain secure and inviolable. The incident has therefore raised concerns not merely over property damage, but also over the protection of India’s diplomatic mission and the obligations of the host country.
New Delhi has repeatedly conveyed its concerns to European and Western governments over activities associated with pro-Khalistan elements. India maintains that legitimate freedom of expression cannot be equated with the intimidation, vandalism or targeting of a foreign country’s diplomatic mission.
The alleged defacement in Ljubljana has once again brought the issue of the security of Indian diplomatic establishments overseas into focus. India has also voiced concerns over what it describes as the circulation of hateful propaganda and misinformation targeting the country from abroad.
The latest incident is expected to reinforce India’s call for foreign law-enforcement agencies to remain vigilant against activities targeting Indian diplomatic missions and to take firm action wherever violations of local law occur.
Video: https://x.com/Sputnik_India/status/2086773825346105474
