A recent attack on a Hindu temple in Canada has drawn strong criticism from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He expressed that he expects the Canadian government to ensure justice and maintain law and order.
The situation between India and Canada has become more strained, with Modi also saying that efforts to intimidate Indian diplomats in Canada are deeply troubling.
India’s foreign ministry described those responsible for the violence at the Brampton temple as “extremists and separatists.” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the attack, calling it “unacceptable.”
India’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, urged the Canadian government to protect places of worship and expressed concern for the safety of Indian citizens in Canada. He condemned the violence from “extremists and separatists” at the Hindu Sabha Temple and stressed the need for action against those who commit such acts.
Videos shared online showed clashes between individuals carrying Khalistan flags and others with Indian flags, along with some fights breaking out. Jaiswal emphasized the importance of safeguarding all worship sites and prosecuting those involved in violence, highlighting worries about the security of Indians in Canada.
Canada has the largest Sikh community outside India, including supporters of Khalistan, a separatist movement seeking an independent state for Sikhs. Relations between India and Canada deteriorated after Canada accused India of being involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistan activist, earlier this year.
In addition to this incident, Canada has claimed that the Indian government orchestrates a campaign of intimidation against Sikh activists living in the country. Trudeau accused Modi’s government of infringing on Canadian sovereignty, which India has denied.
In response to these accusations, India has dismissed claims of plotting against Sikh activists in Canada, calling them “absurd and baseless.” Recently, both countries expelled each other’s diplomats, escalating tensions further.
