S Jaishankar reacts to Canada temple attack: Indias External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, has expressed serious concern over a violent incident at a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, as tensions rise between India and Canada over recent extremist activities. Videos shared on social media showed individuals clashing with flagpoles and exchanging blows at the Hindu Sabha Mandir, sparking condemnation from Indian officials.Deeply concerning: Jaishankars response on the issueDuring an official visit to Canberra, S Jaishankar spoke about the incident, stating, What happened yesterday at the Hindu temple in Canada was obviously deeply concerning, as quoted by Reuters. The altercation, which took place outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir, has intensified existing strains between Canadian Sikh separatist groups and Indian diplomats.Prime Minister Narendra Modi also strongly condemned the violence, calling it a “deliberate attack” and denouncing intimidation attempts targeting Indian diplomats. I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats, Modi stated on X, emphasizing Indias resolve against such acts. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.Indian Ministry of External Affairs condemns violenceEarlier on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement condemning the violent events, specifically acts carried out by extremists and separatists. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “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 also reiterated Indias concerns for the safety of Indian nationals in Canada and called for the prosecution of those responsible for inciting violence.Canadian and Australian leaders address the issueFollowing the attack, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the incident, reaffirming that “every Canadian has the right to practise their faith freely and safely.” In addition, the Peel Regional Police confirmed that the protest took place at the Brampton temple, where demonstrators reportedly carried Khalistani flags and banners, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.The incident also echoes similar concerns in Australia, where two Hindu temples were vandalized last month in Canberra. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong described the attacks as “upsetting for members of the Indian community.” Wong emphasized that, while peaceful protests are a right, there is a clear distinction from acts of violence and hate speech. “We draw a line between that and violence, incitement of hatred or vandalism,” she stated.Escalating diplomatic tensionsJaishankar also voiced frustration over Canadas alleged surveillance of Indian diplomats and criticized the Canadian government for making repeated, unsupported allegations. “Canada has developed a pattern of making allegations without providing specifics,” Jaishankar remarked, highlighting a growing divide in India-Canada relations amid mounting diplomatic concerns over extremist activities linked to Khalistani supporters.
