India has expressed strong concern over the increasing instances of Hindu temples being defaced with anti-India graffiti in the United States. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has taken up the matter through diplomatic channels, urging the US government to ensure the safety of places of worship and take strict action against perpetrators. The recent vandalism of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in California has reignited concerns within the Hindu community, prompting calls for stronger measures against hate crimes.
Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, informed the Parliament on Friday about the rising trend of attacks on Hindu temples in the US. He confirmed that multiple incidents of temple desecration have been reported over the years, and the Indian government has consistently engaged with US authorities to address these concerns. The MEA has emphasized the importance of protecting religious institutions and ensuring the security of the Indian diaspora.
Singh stated that all such cases are immediately raised with US officials, and diplomatic efforts are being made to ensure that necessary actions are taken. Temple management authorities and community associations have also lodged complaints with local law enforcement, demanding thorough investigations and stringent action against those responsible. The Indian government has urged US authorities to enhance security measures to prevent further incidents of religious vandalism.
According to Singh, US law enforcement agencies have classified these cases as hate crimes and are actively investigating them. He also highlighted that members of the US Congress have called for a broader strategy to counter hate crimes targeting the Hindu community. Several advocacy groups, including the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), have expressed concern over the increasing number of attacks, urging policymakers to address the issue with urgency.
The recent attack on the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in California has sparked widespread outrage. The Indian government, through the MEA, condemned the act in the strongest terms. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called for immediate and strict action against those responsible, emphasizing the need for heightened security at places of worship. Similar incidents have been reported in the past, including an attack on the BAPS Mandir in Sacramento on September 25 last year, which came just days after another temple in New York was targeted.
The growing number of such incidents has raised concerns within the Indian-American community, prompting calls for enhanced security and stronger legislative measures against religious hate crimes. The Indian government continues to monitor the situation closely, advocating for the protection of Hindu temples and the broader Indian diaspora in the US.
