Australia has voiced strong concern following the recent vandalism of a Hindu temple in Canada, an incident that has intensified diplomatic tensions between Canada and India. During a joint press conference in Canberra, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong described the attack as “upsetting for Indians,” particularly during Diwali, a time of cultural significance for the Indian community. Wong emphasized that such acts are distressing and harmful to community harmony.
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, echoed these sentiments, labeling the attack as “deeply concerning” and underscoring the importance of safety and respect for cultural and religious sites. Jaishankar pointed out that the incident reflects broader security issues affecting the Indian diaspora and religious institutions abroad. Both the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have condemned the attack, highlighting India’s serious stance on protecting its community’s cultural heritage.
The incident comes amid rising diplomatic strain between India and Canada, following Canada’s allegations of Indian diplomatic involvement in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader. India has strongly denied these claims, but the allegations have led to significant diplomatic fallout between the two nations.
The recent vandalism is part of a disturbing trend, with similar attacks reported last month in Australia, where two Hindu temples were defaced. Wong condemned these incidents, asserting that while the right to peaceful protest is respected, it must not devolve into acts of hatred or violence. The Australian government also reaffirmed its support for Canada’s judicial process, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach in handling the diplomatic tensions between Canada and India.
