On September 29, 2025, just days before Gandhi Jayanti, Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Tavistock Square, London, was defaced with anti-India graffiti. The statue, unveiled in 1968, commemorates Gandhi's time as a law student at University College London. The vandalism has sparked strong reactions from the Indian High Commission in London, which condemned the act as a "shameful" assault on Gandhi's legacy of non-violence.

The Indian mission reported the incident to local authorities and is actively coordinating with them to restore the statue to its original state. Authorities are investigating the matter, and calls for increased protection and respect for cultural and historical icons have been reiterated. 

This incident highlights ongoing tensions related to the Khalistani movement, which has previously led to protests and demonstrations in the UK. 

The vandalism occurred just three days before Gandhi Jayanti, a day that commemorates Mahatma Gandhi's birth and his principles of peace and non-violence. The Indian mission has expressed its commitment to ensuring the statue's restoration and upholding the values it represents.

The incident has drawn widespread criticism from the Indian community and international observers alike. The Indian mission has urged local authorities to take swift action and ensure such acts are not repeated.