Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned an attack on a Hindu temple in Canada on Monday, calling it a "deliberate" act and denouncing what he described as attempts to intimidate Indian diplomats. 

The condemnation has further strained India-Canada relations, already tense over allegations and counter-allegations involving the Sikh separatist movement known as Khalistan.

Modi expressed his condemnation on X (formerly Twitter), calling the attack "appalling" and urging the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law. His comments come as Canada remains a stronghold for the global Sikh diaspora, including activists supporting Khalistan—a separatist movement seeking an independent Sikh state in India.

The recent temple attack occurred on Sunday in Brampton, Ontario, about 30 miles from Toronto, and video footage shared on social media reportedly shows confrontations between groups carrying yellow Khalistan flags and individuals with Indian flags. 

Some isolated fistfights broke out during the incident. India’s foreign ministry blamed "extremists and separatists" for the violence and urged Canada to protect places of worship and prosecute those responsible.

This latest incident follows a major diplomatic dispute that erupted earlier this year when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a naturalized Canadian citizen and pro-Khalistan activist, in Vancouver. India has denied these allegations, arguing that Canada has tolerated extremist Sikh elements for decades.

The row has led to mutual expulsion of diplomats and growing mistrust between the nations. Trudeau recently condemned the Brampton temple attack as "unacceptable," while Modi's comments mark his first public statement on the diplomatic dispute. 

The Indian government has consistently rejected claims from Ottawa regarding any campaign against Sikh activists in Canada, including alleged intimidation or violence targeting individuals on Canadian soil.

The accusations against India, combined with the recent incidents of violence, have worsened the standoff between the two countries. India dismissed allegations about plotting violence against Sikh activists in Canada as "absurd and baseless," but tensions remain high as both nations call for the protection of their communities and respect for sovereignty.