‘Cowardly attempts’: PM Modi slams Trudeau govt for intimidating Indian diplomats, ‘strongly’ condemns attack on Hindu temple

In his first public statement ever since the India-Canada diplomatic spat began last year in September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a strongly-worded tweet to ‘condemn’ the attack on a Hindu temple that took place last evening in Brampton, Canada. In an indirect takedown of the Justin Trudeau government for leveling Indian diplomats as ‘Persons of Interest’, PM Modi dubbed these intimidation tactics as “appalling”. Amid rising Khalistani attacks and extremism, PM Modi categorically noted that such attacks will never weaken India’s resolve. 

Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, “I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.”

It is pertinent to note that PM Modi has maintained a calculated silence ever since Justin Trudeau leveled brazen and unsubstantiated allegations against India. By remaining silent on the shenanigans of Trudeau’s government, India didn’t want to give credence to his bravado as it warranted no response from the Higher echelons of Indian leadership. Incidentally, on multiple occasions, and in varied ways, the Canadian side including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admitted that they had “no hard evidence” to make such allegations against the Indian government. 

Nonetheless, as and when the Canadian side, in a deliberate act of sabotage, escalated allegations against the Indian state, devoid of evidence, India responded assertively and in equal measure including kicking out the Canadian diplomats and recalling its own diplomats.  

Meanwhile, PM Modi’s remarks come just hours after the External Affairs Ministry said that the Indian government “condemns acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists”, and called on its Canadian counterpart to ensure all places of worship are adequately protected.

In a statement issued this afternoon, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We also expect that those indulging in such violence will be prosecuted.” 

He added that the Indian government remains “deeply concerned” about the security of its citizens in Canada.