Bondi Beach Attack: Has Philippines Declared Indian Embassy Official Persona Non Grata?

Social media posts, primarily shared by Pakistan-based accounts, are claiming that the Philippines declared an Indian embassy official, Nilesh Kumar Rai, persona non grata and directed him to leave the country within 48 hours following the recent Bondi Beach attack in Sydney, Australia. The claim alleges that the action was taken after reports emerged that the attackers were of Indian origin.

Also Read: Bondi Beach Attack – Did NSW Premier Chris Minns Say S Jaishankar Assured Help In Probe Into ‘Indian-Origin Shooters’?

Evidence

• No press release or announcement was found on the official social media handles (seen here, here and here) or website of the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs.

• A keyword search across Philippine and international news outlets yielded no reports supporting the claim.
• The Ministry of External Affairs Fact Check Unit has publicly labelled the viral claim as fake.

• There have been no recent reports of the Philippines expelling or designating any foreign diplomat as persona non grata.
• Newschecker has reached out to Angelica Cairo Escalona, spokesperson of the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs; a response is awaited.

Also Read: Bondi Beach Shooting – Here Is A Fact-Check Of Social Media Posts Identifying ‘Hero’ Who Disarmed Sydney Gunman

Verdict

The Philippines has not declared any Indian embassy official persona non grata following the Bondi Beach attack. The claim is based on a fake document and has been officially denied by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

FAQs

Q1. Did the Philippines expel an Indian embassy official after the Bondi Beach attack?
No. There is no official order, announcement, or confirmation from the Philippines government.

Q2. Has India responded to the viral claim?
Yes. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has called the claim fake.

Q3. Is there any media report supporting this claim?
No. No credible national or international media outlet has reported such an incident.

Sources
Official Website of The Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs
X Post By MEA Fact Check, Dated November December 17, 2025