The High Commission termed it as a "shameful act" and a "violent attack on nonviolence" in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter).
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," it said.
"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," it added.
The Gandhi statue at Tavistock Square was unveiled on May 17, 1968, by then British Prime Minister Harold Wilson.
Sculpted by artist Fredda Brilliant, it has acted as a symbol of peace and resilience for over last five decades.
Read more: Bank holidays in October 2025: Gandhi Jayanti to Diwali, banks closed on these dates
Matter taken up with authorities
The Indian mission also stated that it has taken up the matter with the British authorities and has demanded an immediate action.
Efforts for restoration of the statue have also begun.
"HCI London has taken this up strongly with local authorities for immediate action," the statement read.
"And our team is already on site, coordinating with authorities to restore the statue to its original dignity," it added.
@HCI_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,…
— India in the UK (@HCI_London) September 29, 2025
The images available on the social media platforms show words like "terrorists" written on the statue with black spray marks.
The incident happened as Gandhi's birth anniversary is approaching on Thursday, October 2.
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