India Slams Embassy Vandalism in Croatia, Seeks Strict Action Against Perpetrators

New Delhi | January 22,2026 India on Thursday strongly condemned the trespassing at its embassy in Zagreb, Croatia, where Khalistani activists vandalised the premises and desecrated the national flag. The incident occurred just days before the India–EU Summit scheduled in New Delhi on January 27, drawing serious concern from New Delhi. Croatia, a member of the European Union, has now been formally approached by India to take firm action against those involved. According to officials, a video shared online by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun showed an activist removing the Indian tricolour from the embassy building and replacing it with a yellow Khalistan flag. The incident reportedly took place on January 22. The external affairs ministry said, “We condemn the incident of trespassing and vandalism at our embassy in Zagreb, Croatia, by anti-India elements,” adding that such acts reflect “the character and motives of those behind them”. The ministry underlined that diplomatic missions are protected under international law, noting that under the Vienna Convention, diplomatic premises 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”. In the video, Pannun claimed the act was carried out ahead of Republic Day on January 26 and made provocative statements against India. He also threatened that Indian embassies would be targeted and said, “Once Punjab becomes independent, the Indian flag will be replaced with the Khalistan flag.” India has repeatedly raised concerns over the activities of SFJ and Pannun, a designated terrorist, with authorities in countries such as Canada, the UK, the US and Australia, citing incidents of vandalism, threats and intimidation against Indian diplomatic missions. India Condemns Khalistani Act at Embassy in Croatia, Calls for Strong Action India on Thursday strongly criticised the vandalisation of its embassy in Zagreb, Croatia, where Khalistani activists trespassed and damaged the national flag. The incident came just days before the India–EU Summit in New Delhi on January 27, making it a matter of serious concern for the Indian government. The external affairs ministry said, “We condemn the incident of trespassing and vandalism at our embassy in Zagreb, Croatia, by anti-India elements.” It added that such actions clearly show “the character and motives of those behind them” and stressed that strict action must be taken by local authorities. The ministry also reminded that under the Vienna Convention, diplomatic premises are “inviolable and must be protected”. 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”. A video shared online by SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun showed an activist removing the Indian tricolour and replacing it with a Khalistan flag. Slogans like “Khalistan Zindabad” were also painted on the embassy walls. India has earlier raised concerns about SFJ and Pannun, a designated terrorist, with several countries over repeated attacks and threats against Indian diplomatic missions.