“Such Actions Speak Of Their Motives”: India Slams Khalistanis For Vandalising Tricolour At Croatia Embassy

India has strongly condemned the trespassing of its embassy in Croatia and the vandalisation of the national flag by Khalistani activists, calling for strict action against those responsible.

The incident in Zagreb has added to a growing list of similar attacks on Indian diplomatic missions abroad and comes days before the India European Union Summit in New Delhi.

Embassy Targeted Ahead of India EU Summit

The Indian embassy in Zagreb was targeted on January 22, just ahead of the India EU Summit scheduled for January 27. Croatia, a member of the European Union, has rarely featured in such incidents, which have largely been reported from Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. The timing of the act has raised concern in New Delhi, given the presence of senior European leaders at India's Republic Day celebrations.

Video Shows Tricolour Removed, Khalistan Flag Hoisted

A video circulated online by Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun showed a Khalistani activist entering the embassy premises, taking down the Indian national flag and replacing it with a yellow Khalistan flag. The footage also showed slogans such as "Khalistan Zindabad" painted on the walls of the mission.

Reacting to the incident, the external affairs ministry said, "We condemn the incident of trespassing and vandalism at our embassy in Zagreb, Croatia, by anti-India elements." The statement did not name Khalistani groups or individuals but added, "Such actions also speak of the character and motives of those behind them, and law enforcement authorities everywhere would do well to take note of them."

India Cites Vienna Convention, Raises Matter With Croatia

The ministry stressed that diplomatic premises are protected under international law, noting that under the Vienna Convention they are "inviolable and must be protected". It said India has "taken up the matter strongly with Croatian authorities, both in New Delhi and in Zagreb and asked them to hold the perpetrators accountable for their reprehensible and illegal actions".

Indian officials have underlined that host governments are responsible for ensuring the safety and dignity of foreign missions and their symbols.

Pannun Issues Republic Day Threats

In the video, Pannun said the action was carried out ahead of Republic Day on January 26. Speaking against a backdrop featuring images of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he claimed that New Delhi would be the "target" on Republic Day.

He also said the days of Indian embassies flying the national tricolour are "numbered", adding, "Once Punjab becomes independent, the Indian flag will be replaced with the Khalistan flag." European Council president Antonio Costa and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen are set to attend the Republic Day celebrations as chief guests.

India has previously lodged formal complaints with authorities in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States regarding the activities of Sikhs for Justice and Pannun, a designated terrorist. These complaints relate to violent protests, vandalisation of diplomatic missions and the intimidation and targeting of Indian diplomats.