India has strongly condemned the incident of trespassing and vandalism at its embassy in Croatia, where Khalistani activists targeted the Indian national flag. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the perpetrators must be held accountable and emphasised that diplomatic premises are protected under international law.

The incident took place at the Indian Embassy in Zagreb, Croatia, where a Khalistani activist was seen taking down the Indian national flag and replacing it with a yellow Khalistan flag. A video of the act was posted online by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. According to reports, the incident apparently occurred on January 22, just days before the India–EU Summit scheduled in New Delhi on January 27.

Reacting to the incident, the MEA issued a statement condemning the act. It said, “We condemn the incident of trespassing and vandalism at our embassy in Zagreb, Croatia, by anti-India elements.” The ministry did not directly refer to Khalistani activists or Pannun in its statement but made its position clear regarding the nature of the act.

The ministry further stated, “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.” It underlined the seriousness of the issue and called on authorities to act against those responsible.

Highlighting international legal obligations, the MEA noted that under the Vienna Convention, diplomatic premises are protected. It said that diplomatic missions are “inviolable and must be protected.” The Indian government has taken up the matter strongly with Croatian authorities, both in New Delhi and in Zagreb. The ministry added that India has asked Croatian authorities to take strict action against those involved in the incident.

The statement further said that the Indian side 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.”

In the video posted online, Pannun claimed that the action by Khalistani activists was carried out ahead of Republic Day on January 26. Speaking in the video, he made provocative statements and said that New Delhi would be the “target” on Republic Day. The video also showed a backdrop featuring images of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Pannun also made further claims in the video. He said that the days of Indian embassies flying the national tricolour were “numbered.” He added, “Once Punjab becomes independent, the Indian flag will be replaced with the Khalistan flag.”

Apart from removing the national flag, the activists also painted slogans on the walls of the Indian Embassy. These included slogans such as “Khalistan Zindabad.” The incident is part of a series of actions by Khalistani activists targeting Indian missions abroad. While most such incidents have been reported from countries like Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, the attack in Croatia marks a significant escalation in Europe, especially as Croatia is a member of the European Union.

The incident has taken place at a sensitive time, as the India–EU Summit is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on January 27. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are expected to be the chief guests at the Republic Day celebrations.

India has also raised concerns about the activities of Sikhs for Justice and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun with authorities in several countries. Pannun is a designated terrorist, and India has formally complained about his activities to governments in Australia, Canada, the UK and the US. These activities include violent protests, vandalism of property, targeting of diplomatic missions, and threats and intimidation against Indian diplomats.

The Indian government has reiterated that such actions are illegal and unacceptable. It has urged foreign governments to ensure the safety and security of Indian diplomatic missions and personnel and to take appropriate action against those responsible for such acts.