'Rise in incidents of Hindu temples being defaced with anti-India graffiti in US': MEA tells Lok Sabha

NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Friday expressed concerns over a growing number of incidents involving the defacement of Hindu temples with anti-India graffiti in the United States in recent months.

Responding to a written query in the Lok Sabha, minister of state for external affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said the government is closely monitoring the situation and is taking the matter seriously.

"In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of instances of Hindu temples being defaced with anti-India graffiti in the United States of America," Singh said.

He said that the central government "accords highest priority to the welfare, safety, and security of Indian citizens and the Indian community abroad ."

"All incidents of attack and vandalization of temples and places of worship are immediately taken up with the host government through diplomatic channels," he added.

Singh also informed Parliament that temple management bodies and Indian community associations in the US have lodged complaints with local law enforcement agencies, demanding thorough investigations and enhanced security measures for places of worship.

US authorities, he said, are treating these acts of vandalism as hate crimes and are currently conducting investigations. Several members of the US Congress have also urged federal and state security agencies to adopt a broader strategy to counter rising "hate crimes" targeting Hindus in the country.