Diplomatic premises ‘inviolable’: India reacts to Slovenia embassy incident

New Delhi: The Indian Embassy premises in Ljubljana, Slovenia, were vandalised and defaced with pro-Khalistani slogans, leading India to strongly condemn the incident and demand action against those responsible.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the embassy was defaced by anti-India elements and stressed that diplomatic premises are protected under international law.

"Under the Vienna Convention, diplomatic premises are inviolable and must be protected. We have taken up the matter strongly with Slovenian authorities, both in New Delhi and in Ljubljana, so that the perpetrators behind such reprehensible acts are held accountable," the MEA said.

The foreign ministry also called on Slovenian law enforcement agencies to take firm action against hateful propaganda and disinformation being disseminated by such elements.

The incident comes against the backdrop of recent high-level diplomatic engagements between India and Slovenia aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

Last month, India's Ambassador to Slovenia, Amit Narang, met Slovenia's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer to discuss ways to deepen diplomatic and economic cooperation.

The Embassy of India in Ljubljana said on X, "Ambassador Amit Narang was honoured to call on H.E. Tone Kajzer, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, yesterday at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia. The Ambassador handed over a personal letter of congratulations from the External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar to the Minister."

The embassy added, "Productive and wide-ranging discussions focused on specific steps to elevate the warm and friendly ties between India and Slovenia into a mutually beneficial partnership for the future."

India-Slovenia ties were also discussed during Slovenia's National Day celebrations in New Delhi on June 24. MEA Secretary (West) Ambassador Sibi George represented India at the event.

Following the event, the MEA posted on X, "Secretary (West) Ambassador Sibi George represented India at the National Day celebrations of the Republic of Slovenia. He reaffirmed the commitment to the longstanding India-Slovenia partnership and further strengthening cooperation in new areas of mutual interest. He also appreciated Slovenia's steadfast support to India in the fight against cross-border terrorism."