Anti-India graffiti on Hindu temples in US: New Delhi raises issue with Washington

Last September, a similar attack was reported at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, just days after another vandalism incident at the BAPS Mandir in New York.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed Parliament on Friday that several incidents of Hindu temples being defaced with anti-India graffiti have been reported in the United States in recent years.

"The matter has been consistently raised with the US government through diplomatic channels," Singh said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha. Singh assured that all such cases of attacks and desecration of temples are promptly taken up by Indian authorities with their American counterparts.

"The respective temple managements and community associations have also lodged complaints with local law enforcement agencies, demanding thorough investigations, strict action against the culprits, and enhanced security for places of worship," he said.

The minister further noted that US law enforcement authorities have categorized these incidents as hate crimes and are actively investigating them. He also highlighted that members of the US Congress have called on relevant agencies to formulate a broader strategy to combat hate crimes targeting Hindus in the United States.

The recent vandalism of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in California has reignited concern and sparked outrage among the Hindu community. In September last year, a similar attack was reported at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, just days after another vandalism incident at the BAPS Mandir in New York.

The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), a prominent Hindu advocacy group, expressed deep concern over the growing trend of vandalism and hate crimes targeting the Hindu community in the US.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly condemned the act and urged local authorities to ensure the safety of religious sites.

“We condemn such despicable acts in the strongest terms. We call upon local law enforcement authorities to take stringent action against those responsible and to ensure adequate security for places of worship,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.