New Delhi: India has condemned the defacement of the premises of its Embassy in Slovenia by anti-India elements and called for the perpetrators to be held accountable.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said diplomatic premises are inviolable under the Vienna Convention and must be protected. It said the matter had been taken up strongly with Slovenian authorities in both New Delhi and Ljubljana, urging action against those responsible for what it described as reprehensible acts.

The MEA also called on law enforcement authorities to take note of the hateful propaganda and disinformation being spread by such groups.

The incident comes against the backdrop of continuing diplomatic engagement between India and Slovenia. India’s Ambassador to Slovenia, Mr Amit Narang, recently met Mr Tone Kajzer, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, for discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation. The Ambassador also conveyed a personal letter of congratulations from External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.

At Slovenia’s National Day celebrations in New Delhi on June 24, MEA Secretary (West) Ambassador Sibi George reaffirmed India’s commitment to the longstanding partnership and to expanding cooperation in new areas of mutual interest. He also appreciated Slovenia’s support to India in combating cross-border terrorism.

Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi had earlier congratulated Mr Janez Jansa on his election as Slovenia’s Prime Minister and expressed readiness to strengthen bilateral ties.