Deeply concerning: S Jaishankar condemns attack on Hindu Temple in Canada

India-Canada Row: In a stern response to a violent incident at a Hindu temple in Canada, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed grave concern over escalating extremist activities targeting Indian sites abroad. Speaking during an official visit to Canberra, Jaishankar called the recent altercation outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton "deeply concerning," highlighting the rising tensions between Indian diplomats and Canadian Sikh separatist groups.

Jaishankar reacts to Brampton temple attack

While addressing the incident during his visit to Canberra, Jaishankar stated, "What happened yesterday at the Hindu temple in Canada was obviously deeply concerning." Videos circulating on social media showed people clashing with flagpoles and engaging in physical confrontations outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir, prompting Indian officials to condemn the incident. The attack has intensified ongoing strains between Canadian Khalistani separatist groups and Indian authorities.

Indian Prime Minister Modi strongly condemns attack

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his outrage over the violence, labeling it a "deliberate attack." In a statement on X, Modi said, "I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats." Modi demanded that Canadian authorities take appropriate action, adding, "We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law."

India’s Ministry of External Affairs responds

Earlier, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released an official statement denouncing the attack as extremist and separatist in nature. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the violence, saying, “We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario yesterday. We call on the government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks.” Jaiswal further emphasized India's concerns over the safety of Indian nationals in Canada and urged prosecution of those responsible.

Canada and Australia address rising concerns

Following the attack, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reaffirmed the country’s commitment to religious freedom, stating that “every Canadian has the right to practise their faith freely and safely.” Peel Regional Police confirmed that the protest at the Brampton temple involved demonstrators carrying Khalistani flags and banners, according to reports from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

The incident echoes recent events in Australia, where two Hindu temples in Canberra were vandalized. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed her disapproval of the attacks, calling them “upsetting for members of the Indian community.” Wong clarified that while peaceful protests are a democratic right, there must be no tolerance for violence or hate speech. “We draw a line between that and violence, incitement of hatred or vandalism,” she stated.

Escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada

Jaishankar also voiced frustration over Canada’s alleged surveillance of Indian diplomats and criticized Canada for making "allegations without providing specifics." He cited an emerging pattern in Canada’s approach to diplomatic issues, underscoring a deepening rift in relations over rising extremist activities associated with Khalistani supporters.