‘Attack on idea of non-violence’: India condemns vandalism of Gandhi statue in London

"Our team is already on site, coordinating with authorities to restore the statue to its original dignity," it said.

New Delhi | Updated: September 30, 2025 08:59 AM IST

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In 1918, Mahatma Gandhi (left) estabalished the first Dakshin Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha in Madras in 1918

India on Tuesday condemned the vandalism of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in London and termed it a “violent attack on the idea of nonviolence” that Gandhi stood for.

“The High Commission of India in London is deeply saddened and strongly condemns the shameful act of vandalism of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square in London. This is not just vandalism, but a violent attack on the idea of nonviolence, three days before the international day of nonviolence, and on the legacy of the Mahatma,” the Indian High Commission in London said.

India also said that the High Commission has taken this up strongly with the local authorities for immediate action. “Our team is already on site, coordinating with authorities to restore the statue to its original dignity,” it said.

The plinth of the iconic statue, that shows Gandhi seated in a meditative pose, in Tavistock Square was found to be daubed with some disturbing graffiti, news agency PTI reported.

Floral tributes pour in at the monument in London on the occassion of Gandhi Jayanti, designated as International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations, on October 2 every year.

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