In a troubling incident that underscores ongoing concerns over the safety of Indian diplomatic missions abroad, unidentified individuals vandalised the Honorary Consulate of India in Melbourne, Australia, in the early hours of April 10. Authorities confirmed on Friday, April 11, 2025, that graffiti was discovered at the front entrance of the diplomatic facility located at 344 St Kilda Road.

Incident Occurred Overnight, Investigation Underway

According to officials, the act of vandalism occurred around 1 a.m. on April 10. A spokesperson for the local police stated, “Officers believe the front entry of the building was graffitied overnight, sometime between Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 April. An investigation into the damage remains ongoing.”

While the consulate has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident, sources confirmed that the matter has been escalated to senior Victorian authorities and the Indian High Commission in Canberra.

The Indian High Commission responded swiftly by raising the issue with the Australian government. In a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the mission said, “The incident of defacing the premises of the Consulate General of India in Melbourne by miscreants has been raised with Australian authorities. All necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety and security of Indian diplomatic and consular premises and personnel in the country.”

Pattern of Targeted Attacks Against Indian Establishments in Australia

This latest act is part of a worrying trend of targeted hostility against Indian institutions and places of worship in Australia. The Indian community has previously expressed concerns over similar hate-driven actions.

In October 2024, masked extremists vandalised and looted two Hindu temples in Canberra. In another instance in 2023, Khalistani flags were found tied to the gates of the Indian Consulate in Brisbane, shortly after Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s diplomatic visit to the country.

Earlier, the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Sydney was defaced with graffiti reading “Declare Modi Terrorist (BBC),” prompting widespread outrage. Additionally, threats were issued by Khalistani groups to the Kali Mata Mandir in Melbourne, warning the temple authorities against hosting a devotional event that featured singer Kanhiya Mittal, who is known for his vocal support of Hindu beliefs.

Diplomatic Security Under Scrutiny

The recurrence of such incidents has raised serious questions about the security arrangements surrounding Indian diplomatic and religious institutions in Australia. While Australian authorities have assured cooperation and launched investigations, the Indian government continues to stress the importance of safeguarding its officials, buildings, and community interests abroad.

As investigations continue, Indian officials remain in close contact with Australian authorities to ensure that perpetrators are identified and prosecuted, and to reinforce preventive security measures around Indian establishments across the country.