The Indian Embassy in Zagreb, Croatia, was reportedly trespassed and vandalized by "anti-India elements," prompting a strong response from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The MEA has condemned the incident and is urging Croatian authorities to take decisive action against the perpetrators.

The MEA released a statement asserting that the matter has been taken up forcefully with Croatian authorities both in New Delhi and Zagreb. The ministry is demanding that the individuals responsible be held accountable for their "reprehensible and illegal actions". The MEA also emphasized that diplomatic premises are inviolable and must be protected under the Vienna Convention.

While the MEA statement did not specifically identify the "anti-India elements" involved, some social media posts have indicated the involvement of Khalistani activists. Some reports also state that a video posted online by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun showed a Khalistani activist taking down the Indian flag at the embassy in Zagreb and replacing it with the yellow Khalistan flag. The incident occurred just days before the European Union (EU) leaders were scheduled to visit New Delhi for the Republic Day parade. During their visit, the EU leaders are expected to co-chair the EU-India Summit and potentially sign the Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The MEA statement further emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "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".

This incident follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Croatia last year, the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister. During his visit, Modi and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic discussed strengthening collaboration in various sectors, including digital technologies, space, renewable energy, defense, and tourism. Both leaders acknowledged the shared values of democracy, rule of law, and equality between India and Croatia.