Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated on Friday that all incidents involving attacks and desecration of temples and places of worship in the United States are promptly raised with the US Government through diplomatic channels.
“In recent years, there have been several instances of Hindu temples being defaced with anti-India graffiti in the United States of America. All incidents of attack and desecration of temples and places of worship in the US are immediately taken up with the US Government through diplomatic channels,” MoS Singh said in a written reply to a parliamentary question.
He further mentioned that the respective temple management authorities and community associations have lodged complaints with local law enforcement, urging thorough investigations and strict action against the perpetrators. They have also called for adequate safety and security measures to be implemented at places of worship.
“The law enforcement authorities have conveyed that such cases are being investigated as hate crimes. Members of the US Congress have also urged the concerned agencies to come up with a broader strategy to counter hate crimes targeting Hindus in the United States,” Singh added.
Meanwhile, similar attacks on Hindus and Hindu temples have been reported in other countries, including Bangladesh and Canada.
Concerns over hate crimes against Hindus are not confined to the US. India has voiced serious concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh, particularly regarding the safety of minorities. Between August 2024 and February 2025, more than 2,374 incidents were reported, though police verified only 1,254, with 98 percent categorized as “political in nature.”
India has also repeatedly raised concerns about extremism, violence, and anti-India activities in Canada, urging Canadian authorities to take action against such activities.
In November 2024, an Indian consular camp at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Canada, witnessed a “violent disruption” on a Sunday. The incident, which occurred near Toronto, sparked widespread criticism both within Canada and internationally.
(With inputs from ANI)