Celebrations marking India's 79th Independence Day in Melbourne, Australia, were marred by disruptions caused by a pro-Khalistani group. The incident occurred outside the Consulate General of India, where members of the Indian community had gathered to commemorate the occasion.

The Khalistani separatists engaged in sloganeering and disrupted the flag-hoisting ceremony. They also attempted to intimidate members of the Indian diaspora present at the event. According to Yogesh Bhatt, president of the Vivekananda Society, the protesters were at the doorstep and were tearing down the Indian flag. Videos circulating on social media show the ruckus created by the protestors.

In response, the Indian community members countered the disruption by raising their voices and singing patriotic songs such as "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram". Their actions effectively drowned out the slogans of the protestors. The Indian community was commended for preventing the situation from escalating into a violent confrontation. The tricolor was later hoisted amidst cheers.

The Consulate General of India in Melbourne acknowledged the event, sharing on X (formerly Twitter) that Consul General Dr. Sushil Kumar hoisted the Indian flag, with Hon. Brad Batin, MP, Cr. Pradeep Tiwari, Mayor of Marybyrong, and other members of the Indian diaspora in attendance. The consulate's post noted the morning was filled with patriotic fervor and a shared commitment to strengthening the India-Australia bond.

This incident is part of a pattern of increasing Khalistani activities and targeted hate incidents in Australia. Recently, the Swaminarayan Temple in Melbourne and several Asian restaurants were defaced with hate graffiti. Similar incidents have occurred in the United States, where a BAPS temple in Greenwood, Indiana, was vandalized with anti-India and anti-Modi graffiti.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has previously urged countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia to avoid providing space to Khalistani extremists, emphasizing that their ideologies are detrimental to all parties involved.

Despite the disruptions, Indian communities across Australia celebrated Independence Day with cultural festivities, including parades, music, and storytelling. These events, often organized in collaboration with Indian consulates and local organizations, aim to pass on the Indian national anthem and recount the tales of the freedom struggle.