In a disturbing development, the Indian Consulate in Melbourne was vandalised on the morning of April 10, 2025, with graffiti found at the front entrance of the consulate building located at 344 St Kilda Road. The Indian High Commission in Canberra swiftly raised the issue with Australian authorities, expressing concerns over the safety and security of Indian diplomatic and consular premises in the country.

Details of the Vandalism Incident

According to a spokesperson from Victoria Police, the vandalism took place overnight, between Wednesday, April 9, and Thursday, April 10, when the graffiti was discovered at around 1:00 am. The police have initiated an investigation into the matter, though no suspects have been identified as of yet. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in solving the case.

The Indian High Commission responded quickly to the incident by issuing a social media statement on April 11, asserting that all necessary steps were being taken to ensure the protection of Indian diplomatic and consular personnel and their premises across Australia. The High Commission expressed its serious concern over the defacement of the consulate by what it described as "miscreants."

Previous Anti-India Incidents in Australia

This recent act of vandalism is not an isolated event. Australia has witnessed a growing number of anti-India incidents in recent years, contributing to rising tensions within the Indian-Australian community. In 2023, for example, after the visit of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, flags were found tied to the Indian Consulate in Brisbane, symbolizing hostility. Additionally, several Hindu temples have been targeted, including the defacement of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Sydney.

These actions have raised alarm bells among the Indian-Australian community, which views these acts of vandalism not just as random acts but as messages of intimidation aimed at their community. One community member was quoted in Australia Today saying, “It’s not just graffiti - it’s a message of intimidation aimed at our community.”

Government and Community Response

Despite the Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan’s government passing anti-vilification laws earlier this year, which aimed at strengthening penalties for acts motivated by hate or religious bias, the community continues to express frustration. Many feel that the responses to anti-India incidents, especially involving places of religious significance like temples and consulates, have been slow and inconsistent compared to incidents involving other communities.

Some members of the Indian-Australian community have voiced concerns about inconsistent enforcement of the laws, suggesting that these incidents are being handled with less urgency. A community member shared, “This is not about politics. It’s about safety, respect, and equal protection under the law.”

Diplomatic Tensions and Community Concerns

The vandalism of the Indian Consulate in Melbourne further exacerbates the diplomatic tension between India and Australia, with the Indian government consistently raising the issue of such attacks with Australian authorities. This comes in the backdrop of the long-standing concerns of the Indian-Australian community, who are calling for stronger measures to ensure their safety and security.

The incident has also sparked a larger conversation about the rising incidents of religious intolerance and hate crimes within Australia, prompting many to demand stricter enforcement of anti-vilification laws and a more robust response from the Australian government to ensure that all communities, regardless of origin, are protected from acts of hate and violence.

What’s Next?

As investigations continue, the Indian High Commission is likely to push for stronger protective measures for its diplomatic and consular establishments in Australia, ensuring that such incidents do not go unaddressed. The Indian-Australian community remains on edge, urging both Australian law enforcement and the government to show more commitment to tackling hate-driven incidents and securing community safety.

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