The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said today that it has already raised the issue of vandalisation of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi by Khalistani separatists in Italy, just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the country for the G7 Summit.

This incident follows the imagery displayed in Vancouver depicting the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi earlier this month on June 6.

Reacting to the Italy incident, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said, “We have seen the reports and taken it up with the Italian authorities. We understand that a suitable rectification has already been made. The effort to vandalise the statue, which is, of course, deplorable, has been addressed and the necessary rectification done”.

This incident, however, holds substantial gravity as PM Modi is scheduled to arrive in Italy to attend the G7 Summit’s outreach sessions on June 14.

Last year, the Khalistani goons had defaced BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sydney’s Rosehill with anti-India graffiti just before PM Modi arrived in Australia.

As pro-Khalistan elements continue to spread anti-India feelings through their extremist statements and activities, Canada’s high commissioner in India Cameron MacKay stated on June 11 that “there is no place for hate or for the glorification of violence in the North American nation”.

Public safety minister LeBlanc had also expressed concerns over the former PM’s assassination imagery, “There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities,” he posted on X.

Last month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar targeted the Justin Trudeau government for giving refuge to pro-Khalistani elements, asserting that further deterioration in bilateral ties would eventually result in a big loss for Canada.

“Our relations have been spoiled today because of the activities of these people who are even threatening our Ambassador and various diplomats posted in the country. They threw smoke bombs inside the High Commission and, at one time, our diplomats were facing great difficulty in getting out of the building. People who supported terror activities against India have been given refuge in Canada. The government there should have a relook at the entire situation,” asserted Jaishankar.

(With inputs from syndicated feed)