Modi condemns attack on Hindu temple in Canada, says such acts ‘will never weaken India’s resolve’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday strongly condemned the attack on a Hindu temple in Canada allegedly by pro-Khalistan activists and said such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve.

Modi urged the Justin Trudeau 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,” the prime minister said in a post on X.

Modi’s remarks on alleged attempts to intimidate Indian diplomats come amid a raging diplomatic tension between New Delhi and Ottawa over Prime Minister Trudeau's allegations in September last year of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing.

The latest incident took place on Sunday when a group of people carrying Khalistan flags attacked devotees at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton.

Trudeau has condemned the attack, saying every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident," he wrote on X.

The attack has drawn strong reaction from India, with the Ministry of External Affairs saying New Delhi remains deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada.

“We call on the government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks. We also expect that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

He further said that the outreach of our Consular officers to provide services to Indians and Canadian citizens alike “will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment and violence”.

The Indian High Commission in Ottawa also issued a strong statement, saying the attack was carried out by anti-India elements.

"We also remain very concerned for the safety of applicants, including Indian nationals, on whose demand such events are organised in the first place. Despite these efforts by anti-India elements, our Consulate was able to issue more than 1000 life certificates to the Indian and Canadian applicants…,” the High Commission said.