In response to the recent attack by pro-Khalistani supporters on a Hindu temple in Brampton, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized Canada, accusing it of having a pattern of making allegations without offering concrete evidence. He expressed deep concern over the incident at the Hindu Sabha temple, calling it “unacceptable.”

Jaishankar also addressed reports that Canadian authorities may have placed Indian diplomats under surveillance, a development he described as inappropriate amid rising diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

The attack on the temple took place on Monday, with protesters waving Khalistani flags clashing with temple visitors. Videos circulated on social media showing individuals carrying pro-Khalistan banners, and some footage appeared to capture physical altercations with flagpoles near the temple grounds. Peel Regional Police reported the arrest of three individuals for charges related to assault with a weapon and assaulting a police officer.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir, stating that every Canadian should be able to practice their faith safely. “The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable,” Trudeau posted on X, commending the Peel Regional Police for their swift response.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also denounced the incident, condemning what he described as “cowardly attempts” to intimidate Indian diplomats in Canada. In a statement, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs called on the Canadian government to secure places of worship and prosecute those involved in the violence. Ministry spokesperson Randir Jaiswal said, “We call on the Government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks.”

Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have been high since September of last year, when Trudeau alleged that Indian agents were possibly involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistani activist, an accusation strongly denied by India.