India asks US to ensure safety of nationals after foiled Hindu temple attack plot

India on Friday called on the United States to ensure the safety, security and well-being of Indian nationals following an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois, describing the incident as a matter of deep concern and warning against rising hate crimes and racial discrimination targeting the Indian community.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, addressing his bi-weekly media briefing, said New Delhi had taken note of the action initiated by American law enforcement authorities but expected Washington to ensure the protection of Indians living in the country.

The remarks came after US authorities arrested a 19-year-old man accused of planning an attack on the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora, near Chicago.

"This is obviously a matter of deep concern for us. At the same time, it is something that shows or highlights the increasing cases of hate crimes and racial discrimination against the Indian communities in the United States," Jaiswal said.

"We have taken note of the action that the US law enforcement authorities have undertaken once this incident happened, but we call on the United States side to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals in the country," he added.

𝗧𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘁

The suspect, identified as Alexandros Paporakis, was arrested on October 11 after investigators received information about a possible mass shooting targeting the Hindu temple in Aurora.

According to US authorities, a colleague alerted law enforcement agencies after receiving suspicious electronic communications allegedly indicating the teenager's intention to carry out an attack.

Investigators subsequently recovered firearms, hundreds of rounds of rifle ammunition, tactical equipment and body armour during their investigation.

They also discovered a document titled "Why I Fought: A.K.A. (Aurora Shooter's Manifesto)", which allegedly contained white supremacist and extremist views, including references to violence against people of Indian origin.

Prosecutors alleged that Paporakis openly identified himself as a white supremacist and had expressed an intention to kill Indian people.

The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings and have not been established in court.

The teenager has been charged with making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a weapon. He appeared before a court on October 14 and was ordered to remain in custody.

𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀 𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆

The MEA had earlier issued a statement on Thursday expressing concern over the alleged attack plot and its reported anti-Hindu and racist motivations.

The ministry said the references to violence against people of Indian origin were particularly disturbing and reflected wider concerns about hostility towards the Indian community in the United States.

India also called for greater vigilance and decisive action against hate-motivated violence, while urging American authorities to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.

"We expect US authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter, bring those responsible to justice and take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents," the MEA said in its earlier statement.

The ministry maintained that the alleged plot highlighted the need for stronger safeguards against racial discrimination and violence directed at minority communities.

𝗨𝗦 𝗹𝗮𝘄𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁

The alleged plot has also drawn condemnation from American lawmakers, local officials and community organisations, who expressed concern over the reported targeting of Hindu worshippers and Indian Americans.

US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said he and his family had been worshipping at the Aurora temple when the alleged attack was attempted.

He expressed relief that a tragedy had been prevented and called for collective action against racial hatred and white supremacist extremism.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of places of worship and communities facing threats motivated by racial or religious hostility.

US investigators are continuing their examination of the alleged plot and the materials recovered from the suspect.

Friday's statement marked India's renewed diplomatic appeal to Washington, with New Delhi emphasising that preventing hate-motivated violence and protecting Indian nationals must remain priorities for American authorities.