India Seeks Accountability After Indian Embassy Premises Defaced in Slovenia
New Delhi: India has strongly condemned the defacement of its Embassy premises in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and called on Slovenian authorities to identify those responsible and take appropriate action.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday that the matter had been taken up firmly with Slovenian authorities in both New Delhi and Ljubljana. India has urged authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.
India raises security concerns
The incident involved the defacement of the premises of the Embassy of India in the Slovenian capital by what the MEA described as “anti-India elements.”
New Delhi stressed that diplomatic premises enjoy special protection under international law and must be safeguarded by the host country. The MEA’s intervention comes amid concerns over acts targeting Indian diplomatic missions in different parts of Europe.
India has called on Slovenia to investigate the incident and take action against those responsible.
Diplomatic premises protected under international law
The Indian government has emphasised that the protection of diplomatic missions is an obligation under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
The convention establishes the inviolability of diplomatic premises and requires the receiving state to take appropriate steps to protect them against intrusion, damage or disturbance.
The latest incident has therefore been raised through diplomatic channels, with India seeking accountability and adequate protection for its mission in Ljubljana.
Incident adds to concerns over attacks on Indian missions
The Ljubljana incident comes as Indian diplomatic missions in some other Western cities have also faced incidents involving protests, vandalism or security concerns in recent years.
New Delhi has repeatedly stressed the need for host countries to ensure the safety and security of Indian diplomatic personnel and premises.
The Indian government is now awaiting action from Slovenian authorities following the defacement of the embassy premises.
