“Acts of Vandalism Are Deeply Concerning”: Jaishankar on Temple Attacks in Canada

Canberra, 5 November 2024 — During a joint press conference held in Canberra, India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, strongly condemned the recent attacks on Hindu temples in Canada, calling the incidents “deeply concerning.” The press event, attended by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, highlighted shared concerns over the targeting of religious institutions abroad and underscored the growing need for international collaboration on diaspora safety. Responding to recent events, Dr. Jaishankar emphasized India’s stance on ensuring the safety and respect of religious sites worldwide. “What happened yesterday at the Hindu temple in Canada was obviously deeply concerning,” he stated, referring to the vandalism that has triggered significant alarm within the Indian community. Recalling both official statements from India’s government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr. Jaishankar said, “I think this conveys how deeply we feel about it.” His remarks reflect India heightened diplomatic stance on such issues and signal the country expectations of protective measures for its diaspora and religious centers abroad. Ms. Penny Wong also voiced concern about the attacks, highlighting Australia’s commitment to multicultural safety and respect. She commented on recent incidents in Australia, stating, “All Australians, regardless of their faith, their culture, who they are, where they live, are entitled to be safe and respected.” Ms. Wong acknowledged the distress caused by the temple vandalism, especially close to Diwali, a significant festival for Hindus. “People across Australia have a right to be safe and respected… We draw a line between peaceful protest and violence, incitement of hatred, or vandalism,” she added, stressing that law enforcement would handle such matters as needed to maintain the peace and dignity of Australia’s multicultural society. Apart from the Canada issue, the press conference covered a range of other critical topics, including Indo-Australian relations and regional stability. Dr. Jaishankar elaborated on the significance of the recent “disengagement agreements” reached with China, describing them as a “positive development” towards stabilizing the border situation. The Indian minister confirmed that progress was made in defining patrolling rights along contested zones, indicating India’s cautious optimism in building on these agreements. “This is a positive step, but challenges remain, including force de-escalation,” he noted. s. Wong, addressing Australia’s partnership with India, highlighted their comprehensive strategic partnership and the importance of bilateral cooperation across science, technology, and clean energy sectors. Announcing a new $1.6 million fund to support six projects under the Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership, Ms. Wong reinforced Australia’s commitment to deepening its relationship with India. “We are comprehensive strategic partners… the beating heart of the relationship is the people-to-people ties,” she said, recognizing the one-million-strong Indian diaspora’s role in strengthening the bilateral bond. The ministers also tackled global concerns, with Dr. Jaishankar affirming India’s commitment to fostering regional stability, particularly through the Quad alliance with Australia, Japan, and the United States. When asked about the potential impact of a U.S. administration change on the Quad, Dr. Jaishankar conveyed confidence in the alliance’s continuity, regardless of political shifts. “We have seen steady progress with the U.S. over the last five presidencies… The Quad was revived under a Trump presidency, and we expect it to remain vital,” he affirmed. Ms. Wong echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the Quad remains an essential strategic partnership based on shared values and regional security goals. “It’s a  grouping of countries with similar interests for the region we envision,” she said, underscoring the enduring nature of the alliance in the face of geopolitical fluctuations.