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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4734
ANSWERED ON – 20/03/2026
HARASSMENT FACED BY SIKHS IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES
4734. SMT. HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware of the rising incidents in which
Sikhs are forced to remove turbans and face humiliation in foreign
countries;
(b) if so, the Steps taken by the Government to address the
harassment faced by the Indian citizens particularly those belonging
to minority communities while travelling abroad; and
(c) the measures being taken by the Government to prevent such
incidents and to ensure protection of religious rights of Indian tourists
particularly those belonging to Sikh community?
1ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a) & (b) The Government remains firmly committed to safeguarding
the welfare of all Indian nationals abroad, including members of
minority communities. Our Missions/Posts remain vigilant and closely
monitor any untoward incidents. Such incidents are immediately taken
up with the concerned authorities of the host country to ensure that
the cases are properly investigated and the perpetrators are punished.
Moreover, such incidents are also raised bilaterally during meetings
with Government officials of the countries concerned, including at the
highest levels, as appropriate. Indian Missions/Posts continue to
provide consular support and guidance to our citizens on local laws &
regulations. Indian nationals are encouraged to promptly report such
incidents so that the Mission may take appropriate action without
delay.
2(c) Indian Missions/Posts engage with local authorities and the local
community to promote awareness regarding the religious and cultural
practices of Indian nationals, including the Sikh community. Indian
Missions/Posts extend full support to safeguard the dignity and rights
of all Indian citizens.
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