India has strongly condemned the trespassing and vandalism at its Embassy in Zagreb, Croatia, calling the incident a serious breach of international diplomatic norms. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it has taken up the matter firmly with Croatian authorities and demanded strict action against those responsible for what it described as illegal and reprehensible acts.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the incident violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which mandates absolute protection of diplomatic premises. In a statement shared on social media platform X, Jaiswal emphasized that embassies are inviolable under international law and host nations are duty-bound to ensure their safety and dignity at all times.
Our statement on the trespassing of the Embassy of India premises in Zagreb, Croatia
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) January 22, 2026
🔗 https://t.co/IQFppsV4Ws pic.twitter.com/STPOnI23oM
According to media reports, the act was allegedly carried out by Khalistani activists. A video circulating online shows an individual removing the Indian national flag from the embassy premises and replacing it with a yellow Khalistan flag. The video was reportedly shared by Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The incident is said to have taken place on January 22.
India has raised the issue with Croatian authorities both in New Delhi and in Zagreb, urging them to identify and prosecute those involved. The MEA noted that such acts not only violate diplomatic norms but also expose the intent and mindset of the groups behind them. It added that law enforcement agencies across the world must take serious note of such repeated actions.
The vandalism in Croatia is the latest in a series of incidents targeting Indian diplomatic missions abroad. In recent months, Indian embassies and consulates in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States have faced vandalism, threats, and provocative demonstrations linked to Khalistani groups.
The timing of the incident is significant, coming just days before the India–European Union Summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi on January 27. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are also set to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations as chief guests. Officials believe the act was aimed at drawing international attention ahead of the high-level diplomatic engagement.
Despite the incident, India reaffirmed the strength of its bilateral ties with Croatia. During his visit to Zagreb last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Croatia for supporting India’s fight against terrorism. The visit marked the first-ever trip by an Indian prime minister to Croatia and was seen as a milestone in the relationship between the two nations.
India has expressed confidence that Croatian authorities will fulfill their international obligations and ensure the security of diplomatic missions. New Delhi reiterated that it will continue to address such provocations firmly through diplomatic and legal channels while safeguarding its national symbols and interests abroad.