External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed worry about a Hindu temple in the US being vandalized with anti-India graffiti. He spoke about it during a conversation with reporters at the Rashtriya Raksha University’s third conference.
Jaishankar emphasized that extremist and separatist groups from outside India should not be given space for such actions. He mentioned that India’s consulate has filed a complaint with the US government and police regarding the incident.
The Newark, California, police reported an incident of graffiti at the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple. The word ‘Khalistan’ was spray-painted on a signpost outside the temple, along with other objectionable graffiti.
The Newark police view any incidents involving violence, property damage, harassment, or intimidation driven by hate or bias as significant offenses. The CGI in San Francisco expressed strong condemnation of the defacement of the temple.
Regarding the arrest of Nikhil Gupta in the Czech Republic for allegedly planning to assassinate US-based pro-Khalistan activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Jaishankar stated that the Indian embassy received consular access for Gupta’s care.
He emphasized that whenever an Indian citizen is arrested, consular access is sought to ensure their well-being.
Addressing the absence of the USA and Canada from the partner countries’ list for the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, Jaishankar downplayed any political implications.
He mentioned that the invitation process depends on the government level, and the government of Gujarat would be better suited to answer questions about the invited countries.
Jaishankar expressed that many countries are interested in participating in Vibrant Gujarat, and the government encourages them to engage with Gujarat authorities for maximum participation.
Source: PTI
