Temple attack shows political space given to extremists in Canada: Jaishankar

“What happened at the Hindu temple in Canada was deeply concerning,” said Jaishankar. “You would have seen a statement by our official spokesperson and also the expression of concern by our Prime Minister. That should convey to you how deeply we feel about it,” he added.

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the “deliberate attack on a Hindu temple” and “cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats”. He also asked the Canadian government to “ensure justice and uphold the rule of law”.

“Let me make three comments. One, Canada has developed a pattern of making allegations without providing specifics. Secondly, when we look at Canada, for us, the fact that they are putting our diplomats under surveillance, is something which is unacceptable. Third, the incident… do look at the video. I think that will tell you, in a way, the political space which has been given to extremist forces there,” Jaishankar said.

On the diplomatic row between India and Canada, following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegation of the Indian government’s “potential” involvement in the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Jaishankar reiterated that Canada has levelled allegations without providing specifics.

Recently, senior Canadian officials also alleged that Home Minister Amit Shah was behind the targeting of Khalistan separatists in Canada. India has lodged a protest “in the strongest terms” through diplomatic channels, calling the allegations “absurd and baseless”.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she discussed Canada’s allegations with Jaishankar. “We’ve made clear our concerns about the allegations under investigation. We’ve said that we respect Canada’s judicial process,” Wong said. “We convey our views to India, as you would expect us to do, and we have a principled position in relation to matters such as the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary and also, frankly, the sovereignty of all countries,” she said.

Along with the US and Australia, who are also India’s Quad partners, Canada, UK and New Zealand make the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. Canada had briefed the grouping on the Nijjar probe.

Responding to a question on attacks on temples in Canberra, Wong said the incidents were “upsetting” for the Indian community. “All Australians, regardless of their faith, their culture… are entitled to be safe and they are entitled to be respected,” Wong said.

She said that while people have a right to protest peacefully, a line has to be drawn, and those inciting violence and hatred should be dealt with by law.

Jaishankar also met Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles. “Pleased to meet DPM & Defence Minister @RichardMarlesMP today. Spoke about the strong momentum in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Shared perspectives on Indo-Pacific and regional developments,” he posted on X.

He co-chaired the 15th Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue with Wong. “Our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is growing steadily. Reflected in stronger political ties, robust defence & security cooperation, expanded trade, greater mobility and deeper educational linkages,” Jaishankar posted on X. “Discussed our respective neighbourhoods, Indo-Pacific, West Asia, Ukraine and the global strategic scenario,” he said.

With PTI, Canberra