A Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, was severely vandalized on Monday, November 4, 2024, triggering widespread international condemnation and intensifying ongoing tensions between India and Canada. The attack, which occurred near Toronto, has drawn responses from leaders around the world, highlighting growing concerns over religious intolerance and geopolitical strains.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, calling it a “deliberate act of violence against a place of worship.” Modi expressed his outrage on social media, stating, “We strongly condemn the attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. We also condemn the cowardly attempts to intimidate Indian diplomats. These acts of violence will not weaken India’s resolve. We urge the Canadian government to take swift action and ensure justice.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded on Twitter, calling the violence “unacceptable” and reaffirming that “every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.” His remarks echo growing concerns about safeguarding religious freedom and ensuring the security of places of worship.
India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar also condemned the attack, accusing Canada of a “pattern of unsubstantiated allegations” against India. This remark follows Canada’s expulsion of six Indian diplomats, linked to the 2023 killing of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada. Canada has accused the Indian government of targeting South Asian dissidents living in Canada—a claim that India has strongly denied.
The vandalism of the Hindu temple in Brampton adds fuel to the fire, further exacerbating the already delicate relations between the two nations. Leaders from various Canadian political parties, including Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh, have condemned the violence. Poilievre stated he “unequivocally” condemns violence targeting worshippers, while Singh emphasized the need for de-escalation, stating, “Places of worship must be protected, and calm must be prioritized.”
Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack, and local authorities are investigating additional incidents related to the vandalism. The attack underscores the rising tensions between India and Canada, with both countries facing critical diplomatic challenges.
As global attention turns to this incident, the international community is closely watching how both countries manage these escalating tensions and seek to restore peace and stability in their diplomatic relations.
