New Delhi: India on Thursday issued a strong condemnation following an incident of trespassing and vandalism at its embassy in Zagreb, Croatia, by what officials described as "anti-India elements."

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that radical activists breached the diplomatic premises in a midnight raid, reportedly removing the Indian national flag and replacing it with a Khalistani flag. The incident occurred just days before India's Republic Day on January 26, a period of heightened security for Indian missions worldwide.

India Invokes Vienna Convention

In a formal statement released January 22, 2026, the Indian government emphasised the gravity of the breach under international law.

"Under the Vienna Convention, diplomatic premises are inviolable and must be protected," the MEA statement read. "Accordingly, we have taken up the matter strongly with Croatian authorities, both in New Delhi and in Zagreb."

Indian officials have demanded that the Croatian government hold the perpetrators accountable for what they termed "reprehensible and illegal actions."

Pattern of Extremist Activity

The vandalism in Zagreb follows a string of similar attacks on Indian diplomatic missions in cities such as London, San Francisco, and Toronto over the last three years. In those instances, pro-Khalistan groups, which advocate for a separate Sikh state, targeted Indian high commissions and consulates, often attempting to replace the Indian tricolour with their own banners.

New Delhi has frequently called on host nations to provide enhanced security for its diplomats and property, noting that such acts often serve as a platform for extremist propaganda. "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," the MEA added.

Diplomatic Repercussions

The timing of the incident is sensitive as India and Croatia have recently worked to deepen bilateral ties in sectors ranging from defence to digital technology. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic visit to Zagreb last year, where both nations pledged to collaborate on counter-terrorism efforts.

Croatian law enforcement has reportedly initiated an investigation into the midnight breach. The Indian embassy in Zagreb has since restored the national flag and remains in close coordination with local security agencies to prevent further provocations during the Republic Day celebrations.