Jaishankar condemns Canada’s surveillance of Indian diplomats amid rising extremist attacks

Indian Foreign Minister criticizes Canada's 'pattern' of allegations and slams attack on Hindu Temple in Brampton

November 5, 2024

‘Deeply concerning’, says EAM Jaishankar on Brampton temple attack

India’s Foreign Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, sharply condemned Canada’s surveillance of Indian diplomats on Monday, describing it as “unacceptable” and accusing the Canadian government of a troubling pattern of making allegations without providing specific evidence. Jaishankar’s remarks came amid rising tensions over violent attacks on Hindu temples in Canada, including an incident at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario.

Speaking at a press conference, Jaishankar expressed deep concerns about the surveillance of Indian diplomats, asserting, “When we look at Canada, the fact that they’re putting our diplomats under surveillance is something which is unacceptable.”

He also referred to disturbing videos of the recent attack on the Hindu Sabha Temple by Khalistani extremists, highlighting how extremist forces were gaining political space in Canada. “Do look at the video, and I think it would tell you, in a way, the political space today, which is being given to extremist forces there,” he said, adding that while India respects freedoms, it does not support the misuse of such freedoms to foster extremism. “We believe in freedom. We also believe freedom should not be misused,” Jaishankar remarked.

The incident at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton occurred during the Diwali weekend when protesters, some of them carrying Khalistani flags, clashed with temple devotees. The skirmishes, which were captured in unverified social media videos, sparked widespread concern. The footage showed protesters wielding flagpoles and banners supporting the creation of Khalistan, a separatist movement. The Peel Regional Police confirmed the arrest of three individuals in connection with the clashes, with charges including assault with a weapon and assaulting a police officer.

Jaishankar’s comments echoed the concerns of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who condemned the attack as a “deliberate” act of violence. In a strong statement posted on social media, Modi expressed that such acts would not deter India’s resolve. “We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law,” he wrote, reaffirming India’s commitment to holding the perpetrators accountable.

Jaiswal further emphasized that India’s consular services would continue undeterred by “intimidation, harassment, and violence,” signaling India’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad.

Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, also expressed solidarity with the Indian community, condemning the violence in Brampton. Wong, who is currently in India for bilateral talks, said it was particularly upsetting for the Indian community in light of the Diwali festival. “It is very upsetting for members of the faith community and the broader Indian community. 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,” she said. At the same time, Wong stressed that violence and vandalism must be addressed by law enforcement. “We are a multicultural democracy, we cherish that fact, but we also cherish the principles that enable that multicultural democracy to flourish—respect and a right to express different views peacefully,” she added.

The attack on the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton is the latest in a series of violent incidents involving Khalistani extremists in Canada. The growing concern has led India to repeatedly call on Canada to address extremism and to protect its citizens from violence.

The Brampton temple attack has drawn widespread condemnation from the Indian diaspora and global leaders alike, as tensions over religious intolerance and extremism continue to simmer between the two countries.

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