Not interested in assurance, would like to see action: MEA on vandalism of Indian missions in UK, US

On the vandalism of Indian missions in various countries by Khalistanis, India would like to see action, not just assurance, according to the Ministry of External Affairs, adding that he hoped foreign governments would act against and prosecute those involved.

Addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, to a question on the vandalism of the Indian High Commission in London and the Indian High Consulate in San Fransisco, said, “On the issues of security, whenever we feel there is an issue relating to the security of our missions abroad high commissions and embassies, this issue is taken up. Whenever we have concerns where we feel that there will be some activities that may harm our interests, we do take it up.”

“You would have seen specifically in London and at least in San Francisco, we’ve strongly taken up the matter of vandalism and attacks on our missions there. You would have also seen our statements in this regard,” he added.

Bagchi went on to say that India expects the host governments to take action to identify and prosecute all those involved, as well as take the necessary steps to prevent similar incidents from happening again. He also hoped that the government would provide full and adequate protection to Indian missions and their personnel.

“I think that’s probably what your question was, assurance… Yes. Look, on that element we just say look, I think we are not interested in just assurances. I think we would like to see action. That’s why I would leave it at that,” the MEA spokesperson added.

Earlier, on March 19, a pro-Khalistan protestor in London climbed the balcony of India’s High Commission and tore down the national flag.

On social media, a video of the same incident had gone viral. The Khalistani protestor is seen on the balcony attempting to bring down the Indian flag in the now-viral video. At the end of the video, another man can be seen climbing the balcony and reclaiming the Tricolor from the Khalistan supporter.