'Deeply Concerning': S Jaishankar On Attack On Hindu Temples In Canada

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his deep concern over the vandalism of a Hindu temple in Canada on Monday.

"What happened yesterday at the Hindu temple in Canada was obviously deeply concerning," Reuters quoted the minister as saying in the Australian capital Canberra during his official visit.

This incident follows the expulsion of six Indian diplomats by Ottawa, a move tied to the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada in 2023, an act Canada attributes to a widespread Indian campaign against South Asian dissenters—a claim India refutes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also strongly criticized the vandalism, marking his first comments on the escalating Canada-related controversy. "I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India's resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law," Modi expressed on X, demonstrating the Indian government's stern stance on protecting its citizens and interests abroad.

The tension between the two nations has been exacerbated by these incidents, straining the relationship further and highlighting the ongoing discord between Sikh separatists and Indian diplomats.

The conflict has reached beyond Canada's borders, affecting the Indian community in Australia as well. Last month, two Hindu temples in Canberra were vandalized, a development that Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong described as distressing for the Indian diaspora. Wong's comments to reporters outlined Australia's commitment to safety, respect, and the right to peaceful protest, drawing a firm line against violence and vandalism. "People across Australia have a right to be safe and respected, people also have a right to peaceful protest, people have a right to express their views peacefully," Wong stated, condemning acts of hatred and violence.

Jaishankar criticized Canada's approach to the allegations against India, noting a tendency to accuse without offering concrete details. "Canada has developed a pattern of making allegations without providing specifics," he remarked, indicating frustration with Canada's handling of accusations.

Despite these challenges, Wong mentioned that Australia had communicated its perspective to India regarding Canada's claims about targeting Sikh separatists. She reaffirmed respect for Canada's judicial processes, highlighting the international dimensions of the dispute. Jaishankar, however, found the surveillance of Indian diplomats by Canada to be entirely unacceptable, pointing to a growing diplomatic strain between India and countries harbouring Sikh separatist activities.