'Deeply concerning': Jaishankar's sharp response to attack on Hindu temple in Canada

NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday expressed concern over the attack on a Hindu temple in Canada, describing the incident as "deeply concerning."

Addressing reporters in Canberra, where he is on an official visit, Jaishankar said, "What happened yesterday at the Hindu temple in Canada was deeply concerning. You should have seen the statement by our official spokesperson and the expression of concern by our Prime Minister. That should convey to you how deeply we feel about it."

Jaishankar also raised India's objections over the surveillance of Indian diplomats in Canada, calling it "unacceptable." The minister criticised Canada’s approach, saying, "Canada has developed a pattern of making allegations without providing specifics."

This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier strongly condemned the "deliberate attack" on a Hindu temple in Brampton. PM Modi said in a tweet, "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,”

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 4, 2024

The relationship between India and Canada has been under strain since last month, following allegations by Canada that Indian diplomats were involved in violence against Khalistan extremist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. Canada had recently placed the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats under investigation.

India has rejected these allegations as "baseless" and politically motivated, with the ministry of external affairs accusing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of leveraging anti-India rhetoric for domestic political advantage.

The tensions were also felt in Australia, where two Hindu temples were vandalized in Canberra last month. Australian foreign minister Penny Wong condemned the incidents, saying, "People across Australia have a right to be safe and respected," Wong said. She clarified that while peaceful protests are legitimate, "we draw a line between that and violence, incitement of hatred or vandalism."

Wong added that Australia had communicated its views on Canada’s recent allegations against India but emphasized Canberra’s respect for Canada’s judicial processes.