June 18, 2025:
A shocking incident unfolded in Italy ahead of the G7 Summit as Khalistani separatists were seen using children to desecrate the Indian national flag and deface a photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest. The event, which took place near one of the summit venues in Apulia, has sparked widespread condemnation from Indian authorities and global diaspora groups.
Videos circulated on social media show minors being encouraged by adult protesters to stomp on the Indian flag and rip apart images of Prime Minister Modi. The act has drawn serious criticism, with many calling it a blatant case of child exploitation and a direct insult to India’s national pride.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed deep concern over the incident. “Such disgraceful actions by extremist elements reflect a new low. Involving children in these acts is not only unethical but also potentially illegal under international child protection laws,” an MEA spokesperson said on Tuesday.
The protest appears to be linked to ongoing attempts by Khalistani separatists to internationalize their agenda by targeting Indian events abroad. Similar demonstrations have been witnessed in countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia in recent years. However, the use of children in these protests marks a disturbing escalation.
Diplomatic sources suggest that India is likely to lodge a formal protest with the Italian government and may also raise the matter at relevant global platforms. “We are exploring all diplomatic and legal avenues to ensure such elements are held accountable,” the official added.
Indian diaspora organizations in Europe have also voiced outrage. Rajeev Bansal, president of the Indian Community Association in Rome, condemned the act as “cowardly and disgraceful,” adding that “using innocent children to further hate campaigns crosses every ethical boundary.”
Legal experts note that the act may violate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Italy is a signatory. “There could be grounds to initiate an inquiry under international child welfare statutes,” said Dr. Elisa Romano, a legal scholar in international human rights law.
This latest episode comes at a time when India is actively participating in high-level discussions at the G7 Summit, focusing on global security, economic stability, and democratic resilience. Observers believe such incidents are intended to provoke and distract from India’s growing international stature.
The Indian delegation, led by Prime Minister Modi, has yet to issue a formal statement, though officials confirmed that the matter has been brought to the PM’s attention.
As diplomatic responses are formulated, public pressure continues to mount for stronger international action against extremist groups using foreign soil to propagate anti-India sentiments. The incident has also reignited calls for social media platforms to take stricter action against the circulation of content involving child exploitation and hate propaganda.
The Indian government is expected to follow up with international agencies to ensure accountability and prevent recurrence of such incidents during global events.
