‘Hold perpetrators responsible’: Indian embassy trespassed in Croatia, MEA seeks strong action

India on Thursday strongly condemned an incident of trespassing and vandalism at its embassy in Zagreb, Croatia, blaming “anti-India elements” for the attack.

“We condemn the incident of trespassing and vandalism at our Embassy in Zagreb, Croatia by anti-India elements. Under the Vienna Convention, diplomatic premises are inviolable and must be protected," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

“Accordingly, we have 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. 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 added.

Pro-Khalistani activists were allegedly behind the vandalism at the Indian embassy in Zagreb, according to a News18 report, citing social media posts, with the incident taking place ahead of European Union (EU) leaders’ visit to New Delhi for Republic Day celebrations.

The incident comes against the backdrop of strengthening India-Croatia ties.

During his visit to Zagreb last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had thanked Croatia for supporting India’s fight against terrorism, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations during the first-ever visit by an Indian prime minister to the country.

PM had held what were described as “productive discussions” with his Croatian counterpart, Andrej Plenkovic, during which the two leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of India-Croatia relations and explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in areas including digital technologies, space, renewable energy, defence, maritime infrastructure, tourism and hospitality.

Emphasising that India and Croatia share common values such as democracy, the rule of law, pluralism and equality, the prime minister had also expressed gratitude for Croatia’s “steadfast support” to India in combating cross-border terrorism.

Both leaders had underlined the importance of further strengthening India-EU strategic ties.

With inputs from agencies